Ali Baba to stake Guineas Claim

Highly impressive last start winner, Ali Baba (pictured), will be hoping to warrant a trip down south for the Gr.1 2000 Guineas when he takes on a hot field in the Gr.2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes over 1400m at Te Rapa tomorrow.

Grant Cooksley will continue his association with the son of Savabeel and the team are confident he can be competitive against some of the county’s best 3-year-old’s.

“He’s trained on well following his last start win. His fitness levels have come on, his coat has improved and it looks as though he will get conditions to suit,” co-trainer Chad Ormsby said.

“It’s a super strong field, but we had to be there to warrant heading down south for the Guineas.”

One of the most intriguing runners on the programme is European import Mister Impatience who lines up in the Rating 85 event over 2100m and will have the services of red hot jockey Opie Bosson.

“He might find the distance a touch too sharp, In saying that, he’s taking a big drop in class as to what he’s been running against, so he could surprise,” Ormsby said.

Former Wellington Cup winner Graphic finally gets up to a suitable distance and takes on Open gallopers in the Seafood Bazaar Open Handicap over 1600m.

“His preparation has been plagued with setbacks, but I couldn’t fault his work and it’s great to see him get back to a suitable distance where we know he can be competitive.”

“Craig knows the horse well and with the right run he can give that field a very good shake.”

The promising Starstripe lines up in the Maiden event over 1400m and looks well placed to break her maiden after competing against very good fields.

The daughter of Starcraft is much fitter for her two runs back and the Dead4 track conditions will also be suiting this filly down to the ground.

“She’s got an abundance of ability, but she hasn’t had much luck this preparation. She should have won a race by now.”

“She’s drawn well, has a good surface and her fitness levels are right where they need to be.”