Xtravagant Heads South

The Informant reports:

The talented and beautifully bred colt Xtravagant will line up at Trentham on Saturday as he builds towards next month's Gr. 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

The son of Pentire and Axiom, a full-brother to He's Remarkable, emerged as one of the most exciting horses of his generation when he won his debut by seven lengths at Hastings in April.

He over-raced and hung out when unplaced in the Northland Breeders' Stakes in his first start this season, then improved significantly with a solid third behind Let Her Rip and Untamed Diamond in a high-quality field at Te Rapa last time out.

Xtravagant is currently rated a $21 chance for the $400,000 New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 7. He will have his final lead-up in Saturday's NZTBA Wellington Branch Guineas Trial at Trentham.

“We're expecting a big run from him on Saturday to send him on his way to Riccarton,” co-trainer Stephen Autridge told www.theinformant.co.nz.

“We were very happy with his run on a rain-affected track last time. Hopefully the ground stays good down there this weekend and we get to see his true potential. He's an exciting horse.”

Xtravagant is part of an impressive three-venue Te Akau contingent across the country on Saturday. Duchess Kate, Tatters and Thetruthisoutthere line up in the Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie, while Special Memories and Risque take their place in the field for the Armadillo Stakes at Riccarton.