Super Saturday at Te Rapa

It’s Waikato Gold Cup day at Te Rapa tomorrow and Ballymore will have seven strong team out in force, including two gallopers to contest the feature event on the card – the Group 2 Waikato Times Gold Cup over 2400m.

The Melbourne returnee, Surpass (pictured), is one of the more interesting runners of the feature event having completed most of his racing abroad, while up and coming stayer The Fire Inside looks to be hitting her straps as she steps up over further ground.

“We have two strong chances in the Cup which is really exciting,” co-trainer Chad Ormsby said.

“They've both worked well heading into tomorrow and with the right runs I’m confident they can see out strong performances.”

The Last Shower will look to follow up on her very impressive last start victory at Avondale as she lines up in the Listed Shaw’s Wire Rope Sprint Handicap over 1400m.

“She bounced back and showed her brilliance last start, and with the good gate, she should have a nice run throughout.”

Fellow stablemate Spitfire Lady has settled back into the stable very well following a stint in Australia and could run a bold race.

“She’s a good horse and there is no doubt about that. Either way, we will get a line on her tomorrow and go from there”, said Ormsby.

The aptly named Lorde Royals will be making his debut in the $30,000 2YO event and will carry the colours of Brendon McCullum’s (Black Caps skipper) Vermair Racing.

Lorde Royals goes into the race with an impressive trial win under his belt, and while the wide draw is a slight concern, co-trainer Chad Ormsby feels the two-year-old son of Postponed can handle it.

“He’s a very quick horse that has a great outlook on his work. He never stresses and never panics, a fine trait to have in a young horse.”

“There are some very smart types in the race, but if we can get the right run I would like to think he can run in the first three,” said Ormsby.

Lorde Royals will have the services of world class jockey Opie Bosson aboard.

One of the stable favourites, Massale, will be looking to go one better in the Rating 65 event over 1400m and his form leading into the race has been eye catching.

“He’s run behind some very talented gallopers in his last two starts which is encouraging heading into tomorrow’s race.”

Massale has drawn barrier three which will be of great assistance, while the services of Mark du Plessis can only add further promise to his chances.

The very progressive filly in Bonnie Belle is the last of the seven horse team and she heads into tomorrow’s race with the luxury weight of 52.5kg after the claim of jockey Lee Magoorian.

“She just continues to improve and the mile will suit her down to the ground,” Ormsby said.

“If she can catch a break from the wide draw (12) I can’t see why she wouldn’t go close in that field.”

We wish our connections the very best of luck for tomorrow’s runners.