Big Boys' Day Out

Local trainers Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards presented stakes performed horses for an exhibition gallop between races on 20 December at Matamata.

2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Embellish (Savabeel), ridden by Opie Bosson, and runner-up Age of Fire (Fastnet Rock), with Matt Cameron aboard, galloped over 1000 metres in 1:01.2, 800m in 47.3 and 35.0 for the last 600m.

The two three-year-old colts each appeared happy to be out on display, had plenty in reserve at the end of their hit out, and each look ready to resume in the $50,000 3YO 1400 metres on Boxing Day at Ellerslie.

“It was nice comfortable work,” Autridge said. “They weren't out to break any records, nice easy work on the bridle. The big colt on the outside (Age of Fire) is a very good track worker and Embellish just does his own thing.”

Following their outing on Boxing Day, Richards said: “Age of Fire will go to the Levin Classic and Embellish will be set for the Karaka Million Mile.”

Thereafter, Richards said Age of Fire would trek a path to the $1m Vodafone NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) on 3 March at Ellerslie, and the $750,000 Australian Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) is on the dance card for Embellish on 3 March at Flemington.

Both were purchased as yearlings by Te Akau principal David Ellis.

Age of Fire was $400,000 at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sale, from Erinvale Thoroughbreds, for Te Akau 2016 Sydney Breeding Syndicate No. 2, and Embellish $775,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud, owned by the Te Akau 2016 Breeding Syndicate.