Racing: In sight of group one success

Scott Seamer

The video of the Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie on January 1 holds one of many keys to tomorrow's group one $150,000 Thorndon Mile at Trentham.

If you re-watch the effort of Alonzo in that race you'll once again see a horse on the verge of his first major success.

Remarkably, Alonzo was having only his ninth race start when he tackled the Rich Hill.

With a half decent run he could easily have won. He finished only half a length away from winner Cog Hill in fourth place and lost much more distance than that by being posted three and four wide around the home turn.

Even then he might still have won but for looking around and losing concentration when on his own in front in the middle of the track in the home straight. It was an effort that deserved a better result.

Alonzo is one of the most talented rising stars of New Zealand racing and it will surprise no one if he wins the Thorndon.

Leigh Valley was only a long neck from Cog Hill in the $250,000 Couplands Bakeries Mile at Riccarton last start and comes into this race very fresh, how she races best.

On her positive side is a close in draw at No 4 and an electric sprint, which is a massive advantage in group one racing.

Snazzy is the interesting runner - if he wins, congratulate trainer Jeff Lynds as much as the horse.

Snazzy is alongside Alonzo in the rising star stakes, but looks much more a natural 2000m type than a 1600m horse, despite the fact he has won three of his five attempts at the distance.

Because 2000m looks his go, he lacks a fraction of the zip sprint required for 1600m at this level, but that will be offset by his class and grim determination.

Lynds has left him fresh for this to inject as much sprint into his effort as possible and it will be the job of Australian jockey Scott Seamer to bustle Snazzy to the leaders in the closing 200m.

Snazzy can win on class, but just wait until he strikes 2000m again soon.

You simply don't see horses win carnival races at any level as easily as King Of Ashford managed in last week's Anniversary Handicap.

Darryl Bradley could not make the big bloke go slow enough in the home straight and there will be no problems with him backing up within seven days.

Rockabubble showed she was on target with a luckless Avondale effort last week and locally-trained Julinsky Princess is a chance, despite her horror No 19 barrier.

"I'm looking for a four-leafed clover," said frustrated trainer Brent Hrstich. "I don't know whether it's best to go forward or back from that draw because there is no real pace."