By Nick Tedeschi
The $4 million dollar NZB Kiwi is set to run for the second time and with the final field set here are the chances of the 14 runners and four emergencies.
- Romanoff ($81)
Handy Belardo gelding who won the 2000 Guineas last year but that came on heavy going and a career using racing plates is not a positive indicator that he will handle the likely good going. Not sure has come back from a let-up super well either. Pass. - To Bravery Born ($81)
The Walker-Bergerson tandem have four and possibly five runners in The NZB Kiwi and this Snitzel-bred gelding looks the least likely. Has just a single placing from six starts in black type company. - Well Written ($1.20)
Stephen Marsh has a superstar on his hands with this unbeaten Written Tycoon filly that has swept all before her. Her 6L win in the Karaka Millions 3yo was utterly breathtaking. Won the 1000 Guineas in equally dominant fashion. Drawn perfectly. Hard to see them getting close to her. - Affirmative Action ($23)
Pam Gerard gelding who was very poor in the Karaka 3yo. There were excuses when she was eased up after a torrid run and was found to be ill. Went on a course of antibiotics. Not an ideal preparation for a race of this quality. Big no. - La Dorada ($14)
A nation will be roaring if The People’s Horse looks any kind of hope in the straight. She was fantastic winning the Group 2 Levin Classic two starts back before placing in the Karaka 3yo. She has a fantastic record and a nice draw. She has plenty of class and is a must for exotics. - Asakura ($18)
There is little Australia would enjoy more than winning the NZB Kiwi and this is the best and only hope for our Trans-Tasman rivals. Mitchell Freedman trains and Dean Yendall comes across for the ride and he is a live runner. He was fantastic in the CS Hayes last start and the stable are not over for a haircut. Top blowout hope. - Zivou ($81)
Few trainers prepare them better for big races than Roger James but this gelding seems up against it. He had excuses last start when posted three wide without cover and prior was a dominant winner but doesn’t have the upside to steal this, even drawing the rail. - He Who Dares ($23)
Only one horse has beaten this colt the last two starts and that galloper is Well Written but this Te Akau colt looks unlikely to turn the tables. Opie Bosson sticks but drawn wide and there have been no excuses the last two starts. - Panther ($23)
Exciting Ace High gelding who has finished in the quinella in all four career starts. Stepped up to black type company with aplomb when beaten only a long neck by Belle Cheval last start. Love his draw and fancy he will be right in the battle for second. - L’Aigle Noir ($61)
Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have taken this spry type along slowly. He only won his maiden in November and has been well beaten by Belle Cheval in each of his last two. Hard to see him having the scope for improvement. - Belle Cheval ($10)
Exciting Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson filly who deserves second favouritism behind Well Written. She is airborne with a 1.24L win at Group 3 level before beating a good portion of this field at Group 3 level here at Ellerslie last start. No spoil the price but have to include in multiples. - War Princess ($81)
The daughter of Navy Flag has built an impressive resume with five wins from 10 starts including a win at Group 3 level two starts back. She handles all going and stuck on nicely after pinging from the barriers. She won’t be turning the tables on the favourite but can run into a place at odds. - Lollapalooza ($41)
Handy filly who the market has underrated here. She may not be up to Well Written but she can certainly run a race. Her only win came in Group 3 company last September. She was desperately unlucky two starts back when clipping heels and overracing but still finishing second before having to get too far back last start. Value each-way proposition. - Convinced ($126)
Super Seth filly who looks out of her depth in The NZB Kiwi. She won on debut in maiden grade but stepping up to Group 3 company was well beaten by five more running in this including Belle Cheval. Not up to it. - Tomahawk ($151)
First emergency. Disappointed in benchmark 65 grade last start when in the market but well beaten. Looks to be too much against this gelding. - Bolli Belle ($81)
Second emergency. Te Akau filly who has won both her career starts. Cruised to a comfortable win last start at Matamata. This is a huge step up in grade but will be included in exotics if she gets a run. - Burnerphone ($151)
Third emergency. Benjamin King filly started to show something when out to a mile. If she gets a run though she will be back in journey and that won’t help. Unlikely to get a run. - Laura’s Legacy ($201)
Fourth emergency. This Ocean Park filly’s only win came in maiden grade and comes off a well-beaten 10th when not in the market last start. One for connections only.
