Swansong for Winx
Chris Waller's champion mare Winx will be ready to trial later this month ahead of an autumn campaign aimed at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. "We are very happy with the way she looks, the way she is moving and most importantly her attitude," the expatriate Kiwi trainer said.
"She will resume in the Apollo Stakes [on February 11], second-up run will be the Chipping Norton a fortnight later and then three weeks to the George Ryder and then three weeks to the Queen Elizabeth."
Ringo ready to star
Group one performer Ringo will go into the Thorndon (1600m), on January 21, without another lead-up run, says Awapuni trainer Mike Breslin. Ringo finished sixth in the Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni last start, running home well in a race won by leader, Miss Appleton. "He's on track to run in the Thorndon. He had time off after Awapuni last start, but he races well fresh so I'm not worried about the five weeks between races for him," Breslin said. "He's run really well in good races and deserves to win a big one."
Patiently waiting
Mister Impatience's latest performance has satisfied his connections ahead of the defence at Trentham of his Wallaceville Estate Wellington Cup crown. The Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained stayer was unplaced on New Year's Day in the City of Auckland Cup, but the race wasn't run to suit the gelding. "We were really happy with him," Ballymore Stables racing manager Nick Fairweather said. "He had to go back from the wide draw and they didn't go overly hard. Sam Spratt was pleased with him."
Seeking Trentham fame
Handy 3-year-old Hall Of Fame is thriving ahead of a group one test at Trentham. He pleasantly surprised his connections when he beat his age group opposition when resuming at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. "We thought he would have needed the run," said Jamie Richards, who prepares the son of Savabeel with Stephen Autridge. "He's pulled up really well and taken a lot of improvement." Hall Of Fame, who has won four of his eight starts, is the $4 second favourite for the Levin Classic on January 14 behind the $3.50 chance Volpe Veloce.
