Runners on track for feature targets

The Ellerslie Summer Carnival highlighted several Ballymore runners that produced gallant efforts as they look to tackle further prominent feature events over the coming weeks.

Graphic was able to record a fourth placing in the Group 1 Zabeel Classic over 2000m and the performance has brought him into favourtisim to claim back to back victories in the Group 2 Wellington Cup over 2400m at Trentham later this month.

The hot Zabeel Classic field was his first attempt over 2000m this preparation and will take plenty of improvement for the run.

“He just peaked on his run about 100m from home, and half way down the straight he looked like the winner,” said Co-trainer Chad Ormsby.

“We are really happy with how he has come through the race and the run has put him right on track for Trentham.”

Graphic will have one more run at Ellerslie over 2100m this Saturday.

Spitfire Lady returned to form after running third in the Listed Newmarket Handicap over 1200m and a start in the Group 1 Telegraph Sprint is on the cards for the daughter of Hussonet.

“It was an improved performance by Spitfire Lady, although at her best she is a Group winning sprinter and she deserves her chance at Group 1 level here,” Ormsby said.

Exciting Derby prospect, Margin Trader, produced a performance with a ‘Derby flavour’ when running fifth in the Group 2 Great Northern Guineas over 1600m.

“It was a solid run and once he steps over more ground, 2000m and over, we are going to see him at his optimal,” Ormsby said.

“He is likely to only have one more run before the Derby and the Waikato Guineas looks the race at this stage.”

Surpass was inches away from making it back to back cup victories when running second in the Group 3 City of Auckland Cup over 2400m and at this stage there is a possibility of him staying in New Zealand and heading for the Group 1 Auckland Cup over 3200m.

“He’s thrived since arriving in New Zealand and his results have warranted a plan to tackle the Auckland Cup in March,” Ormsby said.

“If he does stay, we’ll look at either paying the late nomination for the Group 2 Wellington Cup or head to the Group 1 Darci Brahma International at Te Rapa over 2000m.”

“He has done a good bit of travelling and racing so we just want to see how he is physically and mentally before confirming his plans for the immediate future.”