Racing: Sacred Elixir making all the right moves

Sacred Elixir (2) is on target for the Karaka Mile. Photo / Bruno Cannatelli

Top 3-year-old Sacred Elixir is making smooth progress in his build-up toward another group one title.

"He had his first gallop last Saturday morning and he's coming up super, I couldn't be happier with him," Cambridge trainer Tony Pike said.

"He looks great and we'll just keep him ticking over until the Karaka 3YO Mile."

Successful in last season's group one J. J. Atkins at Eagle Farm, Sacred Elixir has this term added the group two Moonee Valley Vase and the group three Caulfield Guineas Prelude to his winning tally.

He also finished runner-up in the group one VRC Derby at Flemington before he signed off for the spring.

The son of Pour Moi has the $1 million group one New Zealand Derby as the final target of his classic season and he is likely to take in the group two Avondale Guineas a fortnight before the Ellerslie feature on March 4.

Meanwhile, Sacred Elixir's well-related stablemate Eight Points will be out to make the most of an opportunity at Tauranga today to add to her winning record.

The daughter of Pins and Eight Carat's grand-daughter Markisa will step out in the Laser Electrical Tauranga 1200. "She's in foal to Shocking," Pike said. "She's a handy mare, but she over-raced at Hawke's Bay and pulled herself into the ground.

"She's got an awkward draw and if we can ride her a touch quieter and get some cover then she can be very competitive."

Eight Points will be partnered by Leith Innes.

- NZ Racing Desk