In A Twinkling Sparkles

In A Twinkling (5 g Fastnet Rock - Moment in Time, by Archway) produced just what the doctor order in his exhibition gallop between races on 10 February at Matamata.

Since defending his title in the Counties Cup (Gr. 3, 2100m) in November at Pukekohe, In A Twinkling fought hard for third to two very good mares in the Zabeel Classic (Gr. 1, 2000m) on Boxing Day at Ellerslie, was brave when fourth off a tough trip behind stable-mate Savy Yong Blonk (Savabeel) on 1 January in the City of Auckland Cup (Gr. 3, 2400m) on the same course, and big again for second there on Karaka Million night (23 Jan.) in the Karaka Cup (Open, 2200m).

Working strongly over a mile, In A Twinkling ran the final 600m in 36.3, pleasing both rider Opie Bosson and trainer Jamie Richards.

“It was good work and he can run those sectionals all day,” Bosson said.

While Richards said: “He's going well with his races spaced and it's a good recipe to keep him going right-handed at Ellerslie”.

In A Twinkling is preparing for the $100,000 Wallen Contracting Avondale Cup (Gr. 2, 2400m) on 20 February at Ellerslie, and returning three weeks later for the $500,000 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m) on 13 March.

“He'll cop a bit of weight in the Avondale Cup, but carry less under the set weights and penalties conditions of the Auckland Cup,” Richards said. “He's racing well and we're happy with him.”

Owned by the Te Akau Fastnet Moment Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis), purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $250,000, from the draft of Curraghmore Stud, at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, In A Twinkling has earned $478,551.

Good enough to finish runner-up in the NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) and fifth in both the Tulloch Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) at Rosehill, and ATC Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) at Randwick, as a three-year-old, In A Twinkling has overcome a few quirks and developed into a big strong staying type.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz