The Australian Sportman Reports

By SHAYNE O'CASS
CAN New Zealand's wonder-colt Xtravagant do what his natural predecessor Darci Brahma was unable to and win Saturday's Group 1 $750,000 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington?

The pair's manager, powerhouse Te Akau founder David Ellis, says yes.

Ellis was in the stands 10 years ago almost to the day to see his beloved Darci Brahma outpointed by local idol Apache Cat in the Guineas.

And while both colts had won the NZ Guineas and contested the Waikato Sprint (with Darci Brahma runner up and Xtravagant victorious) in the lead-in to the Australian Guineas, there are some important differences says Ellis.

“I don't think we had Darci at his peak for the Australian Guineas,'' Ellis said.

‘'In hindsight he had a very hard race before he went over and it might have just flattened him a little bit but we've certainly got no excuses with Xtravagant.''

In contrast to Darci Brahma's energy sapping Group 1 effort prior to his Australian Guineas bid, Xtravagant is coming off a booming eight length win in the Waikato (now NRM) Sprint (1400m).

It wasn't the only huge margin recorded by the son of Pentire in a major race, he won the prestigious NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) in November by 8.5 lengths.

“We're very happy with the colt, he worked on the course proper at Matamata (on Tuesday) and worked extremely well,'' Ellis said.

“His jockey Matt Cameron rode him and said he felt enormous.''

Ellis has been associated with an army of outstanding horses in his 30-odd years at the helm of Te Akau including Princess Coup, Kings Rose, Warhorse, Maroofity, Sarah Fay, Burgundy and the Singapore champion Better Than Ever.

Exactly where at this point Xtravagant ranks among the pantheon is a fluid scenario.

“He's certainly right up with Darci Brahma and Princess Coup,'' Ellis said.

“For him to be the best he'd have to win on Saturday and back up in the Australian Cup.''

Long term, Royal Ascot is on the agenda to wholly ensure Xtravagant's extraordinary stallion appeal.  But, before that, and if he wants to emulate past colts-cum-champion stallions like Zabeel, Flying Spur and Pins, Xtravagant will have to handle some of this nation's best three-year-olds including VRC Derby winner Tarzino, Spring Champion winner Vanbrugh as well as NZ 1000 Guineas winner and former Te Akau stablemate Risqué, also a daughter of Darci Brahma.

Main picture - Xtravagant as a Karaka Premier Sale yearling