New Zealand’s juvenile elite will fire up in preparation for the G1 Diamond Stakes next month when they clash in the LR Reid & Harrison Slipper (1200m) at Matamata on Saturday.
Gasoline, a rising star by Vinery freshman Pluck, will vie for favouritism in the five-horse field alongside last-start Fastnet Rock winners Mongolian Falcon and Heroic Value.
“He’s worked well and is ready for Saturday’s challenge,” said Andrew Forsman who co-trains Gasoline with Murray Baker. “We freshened him up after that win at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. He’s looking good and we kept him up to speed with a winning trial at Matamata.”
The winner will firm as market-leader for the G1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 12.
In Australia, Pluck two year-olds Cogliere and Life On The Wire have both been responsible for eye-catching runs this month. Cogliere flew home to finish fourth in the RL Inglis Classic (1200m) at Randwick on February 6 after two wins on the NSW North Coast.
Speedy filly Life On The Wire was another Pluck to just miss black-type when fourth on debut in the LR Gold Sovereign Stakes in Launceston on Wednesday.
The Adelaide Magic Millions on March 14 & 15 is the next opportunity to buy a Pluck yearling when three of his colts and two fillies parade at Morphettville.
