KEY POINTS:
Leith Innes was suspended, Chris Johnson stood down and David Walsh was the man for the job on Fully Fledged in yesterday's $60,000 James and Annie Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa.
And punters may have found the favourite for the $1 million First Sovereign Trust 2000 Guineas at
Riccarton.
It looked bad for Fully Fledged when he was checked coming out of the gates yesterday.
At his previous start in the 1400m Hawkes Bay Guineas he finished second to Tell A Tale and the jungle drums were beating that he couldn't see out the 1400m.
The handsome colt proved that all wrong when he was simply too good for the opposition yesterday.
After settling back in the field after the early skirmish, Fully Fledged moved forward around the field at the 600m and was clearly travelling better than the opposition.
He tackled the leaders at the 375m and at that point was travelling so well he had the others beaten.
"It was a nice ride given the early problem, "said co-trainer Murray Baker.
Chris Johnson was meant to ride Fully Fledged, but was stood down from riding at Riccarton on Sunday.
Baker made a late night call to Walsh and the engagement was sealed. Baker said no decision has been made on the Riccarton ride, but that he'd be happy to keep David Walsh on the horse.
"What about the time they ran [1.22.83 for the 1400m], that's the fastest for a long time and the track wasn't perfect," said Baker."
"That's a smart horse," said Walsh. "He did it easily and he had a bit left."
Baker is now sure Fully Fledged will run out the 1600m of the 2000 Guineas at Riccarton.
Watching how the 3-year-old relaxed back in the field yesterday, you have to agree with the Cambridge trainer.
"He's an exciting horse," said Baker. "And I was delighted with the run of my other runner Bright Spark to finish fifth.
"It was only his second-up run and he'll improve a lot on that."
Altered Image, third behind Fully Fledged and Tell A Tale at Hastings, ran a game second and the previously unbeaten Kildonan ran home strongly into third like a horse who will appreciate more distance.
This is likely to be a very strong form race, perhaps the strongest we've seen so far this season for the classic races to follow.
Mufhasa continued on with his strong Hastings form for trainer Steven McKee when he made no contest of the $20,000 Seafood Bazaar Handicap.
Despite facing older and more seasoned rivals he stamped his class with an authoritative victory.
The 4-year-old now looks a leading contender for one of the major metric miles this summer.
