Sharp Three-Pronged Ellerslie Attack!

Ballymore Stables will have some exciting runners step out on both sides of the Tasman this weekend, and the New Zealand arm will present three runners in the last three races, two at Group 2 level, at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Mister Impatience remains on target for his ultimate goal – the Group 1 Auckland Cup over 3200m next month – and will be using Saturday’s Group 2 Avondale Cup over 2400m as his lead up.

The European import has thrived following his winning efforts to take out the Group 2 Wellington Cup, and while Saturday’s distance is a little short of his preferred, he is working well enough to be competitive.

“He looks fantastic and his work has been great – Saturday’s race will be just what he needs and if he can run a drum in that, he’s a very good chance in the Auckland Cup,” cot-trainer Chad Ormsby said.

“The weather may play its part, although at this stage it is looking OK, he doesn’t want too much cut in the ground.”

The second black-type runner on the card will be New Zealand Derby hopeful Ali Baba who takes his place in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas over 2100m and will have the services of inform rider Danielle Johnson.

Currently drawn barrier nine, if the emergency runners fail to get a start, Ali Baba will come back into barrier four. The three-year-old colt by Savabeel has pleased Mike and Chad ahead of his lead up task and has illustrated goo improvement following a credible run in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas over 2000m.

“We’ve just had to tinker with the gear to ensure he switches on in his races. He can be a little too laid back at times, but on his work he is ready to run a good race.”

“Aside from Valley Girl’s absence, it is pretty much the Derby field, so he is going to have to produce a good performance to warrant pushing on.”

The third runner on the card is the ever consistent Soul Sista who has been running out of her skin of late, without much rub of the green, so a good run in transit on Saturday should see her one of the runners to be in a very strong field.

‘She’s gone from strength to strength this preparation and she deserves a big race win. She’s a horse that just needs things to go her way, and she’s very, very good on her day.”

Soul Sista will have the services of CD rider Jonathon Riddell and jumps from barrier 11.