Te Akau Racing collected a race-to-race double at Tauranga on Saturday, including a highly satisfying return to winning form by When Stars Align in the Stonewood Homes 1200.
The only thing certain as horses slogged their way to the winning post in Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) was that Matamata trainer Pam Gerard would produce the quinella in the Riccarton classic.
Pre-post favourite Affirmative Action will have to overcome a wide gate and a lighter than intended preparation in his shared bid to defend the stable’s title in Saturday’s Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m).
A bright future is being tipped for Sibling Rivalry after she broke through for her maiden win in the Harcourts Monarch (1150m) at Te Aroha on Tuesday.
A big mishap last start hasn’t halted Stonybreck’s preparation for the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) and he’ll lead the three-pronged attack for Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson in Wednesday’s $250,000 feature at Riccarton.
