In Form Bordeaux on Mission

The Informant reports:

Tomorrow's Dominion Post St Leger Trial at Otaki can serve as a springboard towards stakes company for Bordeaux, who has turned his career around in outstanding style this season.

The beautifully bred son of High Chaparral and Our Echezeaux fetched a price to match his pedigree when he went through the ring at the 2013 Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka, knocked down to Te Akau principal David Ellis for $620,000.

However, Bordeaux was unplaced in the first three starts of his career last season and finished no closer than eighth.

But the decision to geld him has made a world of difference, with Bordeaux starting six times this season for four wins and a placing. Bordeaux has won three of his last five races, including a hard-fought victory over talented mares Chenille and Blue Flag at Te Rapa on February 6.

“He's been a different horse this season,” co-trainer Stephen Autridge told The Informant. “He just seems to be enjoying life more, and his performances have been getting better and better.”

“The St Leger is the race we've been targeting with him this season.”

Autridge reported that Bordeaux had thrived in the three weeks since his latest victory.

“He's really well,” he said. “His work on Tuesday was as good as it's ever been. We're very happy with him.”

Bordeaux will run in tomorrow's $20,000 race over 2100 metres as a lead-up to the $50,000 Listed New Zealand St Leger at Trentham on March 19.

“The St Leger is the race we've been targeting with him this season,” Autridge said. “As long as he performs well on Saturday, that will be the plan.”

Bordeaux is suited by the set weight conditions of tomorrow's race. His rating of 77 is nine points above the second highest-rated runner Michelin, but all of the four-year-old males in the race will carry 59.5 kilograms. With regular rider Matt Cameron in action at Matamata tomorrow, Jonathan Riddell takes the mount on Bordeaux.

The Matamata visitor's rivals tomorrow are Michelin, Nicoshine, Jacksstar, Jonquil, Porotene Diva, Perran Beach, Liapari, En Suite, Midnight Flyer and Hiique.

Three-year-old Nom du Jeu gelding Liapari was at one stage viewed as a New Zealand Derby contender, running third to Xtravagant in the Guineas Trial at Trentham and a solid seventh, three lengths from Dukedom, in the Gr. 1 Levin Classic.

Back