Three Meetings in Three Days for Ballymore

The team will present runners across three meetings in three days kicking off with a strong team of galloper to line up at Tauranga on Friday headlined by last start Group 2 performer Flavigny (pictured).

The imposing grey daughter of Mastercraftsman was an eye catching run in the Group 2 WFA Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes over 1400m, finishing only a half-length shy (6th) of the second placegetter and only three lengths away from boom mare Soriano.

The drop back to Rating 75 company will play heavily into her favour with Flavigny to carry a generous 54kg.

“The drop back in class is huge, and further to that she drops 3kg from her last outing, so she has to be well respected heading into tomorrow’s race.” Co-trainer Chad Ormsby said.

“The one draw makes it tricky with her style of racing, so depending on how the track plays, we might see her a little closer than usual.”

Impressive last start winner Rising Son will take his place in the Rating 65 over 1600m and on the way he hit the line at his last start outing, over 1400m, the trip will only play in his favour.

“He’s one horse that you know will give you 110% every time he goes to the races.” Ormsby said.

“As honest as the day is long, and while it’s a step up in grade, I think he’s good enough to cope with it and be competitive.”

Saffron Lady was placed in every blackbooker in the country at her last start outing at Tauranga where she was tardy from the gates and lost three-four lengths at the start, only to go down by 1.3 legnths at the line after doing things wrong in the straight.

“She’s shown above average ability at home and it’s just been a matter of getting the education and experience into her, but she continues to improve which is great.” Ormsby said.

“She’s been to Tauranga, knows the track, and has rider Michael McNab on board who knows her well and I think will play a big part in her performance.”

The three-year-old daughter by Iffraaj made plenty of ground late in the piece at her last outing and a favourable run will see her very competitive at the business end of the race.

The Heat Is On and Thoughtful complete the Tauranga card as they both line up in their respective maiden events over 1600m.

“The Heat Is On showed plenty of promise early on, but has just taken a little longer to get his head around everything, but we are hopeful he is on target to running a good race, while Thoughful will be making her debut and she will take plenty of benefit from the experience.”

“Both will eventually end up appreciating 2000m and further, but tomorrow will provide them a good chance to make an impression.”

Come Saturday and European import, and Queensland Cup winner, Mister Impatience will tackle the Group 2 Waikato Gold Cup over 2400m at Te Rapa and looks well placed in a depleted Cup field.

“We are happy with how he has progressed since the NZ Cup, and while it is a drop back in distance, below his ideal, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him see out a strong race.” Ormsby said.

“He’s very well, very fit, and if he can get some favours in the running, he may just out stay them if it is a truly run contest.”

The lightly tried, yet highly promising, Ruby Armani hopes to cap off some good form when she contests the Rating 65 event over 1400m with rider Matthew Cameron to continue his association with the three-year-old daughter by Makfi.

“There is no doubt about her talent, and she showed that when running a gallant fifth in the Trevor Eagle Memorial. The drop back in distance will suit her, as she can be keen in her races, and the Good track is right up her alley – she’s a good winning chance in an even field.”

The final runner on the Te Rapa card is Messi who is thereabouts, but just needs to improve his focus during certain aspects of the running throughout his races as he does tend to relax a bit too much.

“He’s a nice horse with a couple of good race wins in him – it’s just about exploring and finding out what works for him and what makes him tick.”

Onto Sunday and the recently returned Arbitrage will make his first New Zealand race day appearance when he tackles the Listed Salver Stakes at Ellerslie over 2100m.

A winner over 1900m in Australia, Arbitrage will hope to cement his Derby ambitions with a prominent run and the son of Rip Van Winkle looks a good hope in the event.

“It’s hard to get a line as to how he will perform, with the travel and adjustment to his new environment, but he looks very well and if he brings his A game he’s a real live chance.”