Kiwi colt Demonetization has opened his black-type account for Vinery sire All Too Hard in the Auckland Guineas Gr.2 (1600m) at Ellerslie.

It was a perfect start to the New Year for the promising stayer who is now an $8 second favourite for the NZ Derby Gr.1 in March.

Demonetization had won his first two starts at Pukekohe & Tauranga before an unlucky loss in the Trevor Eagle Memorial LR on December 2.  “He wasn’t suited when that race developed into a sit and sprint,” trainer Nigel Tiley said.  “I decided to change tactics today and told Jason (Waddell) to go forward.”

The Auckland Guineas was run in driving rain and the All Too Hard colt adapted to the Heavy 7 conditions that prevailed at Ellerslie.  He scouted wide on the corner to head front-runner Endownment and then kept up a strong gallop in the straight to win by more than a length.

“The wet track wasn’t ideal but he’s pretty adaptable,” Tiley added.  “I’m looking forward to the autumn because the further they go, the better he will be.”

Demonetization’s next start hasn’t been decided, however, Tiley is leaning towards the Levin Classic-Gr.1 (1600m) at Trentham on January 13.  He has already locked in the Avondale Guineas Gr.2 (2100m) on February 17 as a final dress-rehearsal for the NZ Derby G1 (2400m) on March 3.

Bred by Perth couple Bob and Sandra Peters, Demonetization is a half-brother to Perth Cup Gr.2 placegetter Neverland (Big Brown).  He was purchased by Auckland-based owner Narendra Balia for $220,000 at the 2016 Karaka 2YO Sale.

All Too Hard, who was leading First Season Sire by winners last year, has 33 yearlings entered for the Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale and he’s also gearing up for the $10 million Magic Millions Raceday on January 13.  The Vinery sire has All Too Huiying (MM Trophy) and Sasso Corbaro (MM Guineas) among his front-line candidates and Curdled adds a strong second-string in the Guineas.

Trainer Peter Robl will be hoping for better luck with Curdled in a fortnight.  He was badly checked a furlong into the Vo Rogue Plate Gr.3 on Saturday and stewards also reported he was held up for a run in the straight at Doomben.