Natuzzi
Trish Dunell
Durable sprinter Natuzzi has all but convinced his trainers that he deserves another shot at a Group One title.
The eight-year-old's impressive last-start victory in the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap is almost certain to be rewarded with a return to Ellerslie on New Year's Day for a start in the Sistema Railway.
"It will either be the Newmarket or the Railway, but with the set weights and penalties he does get in well in the Railway," said Paul Richards, who prepares the son of Coats Choice at Byerley Park with Peter and Dawn Williams.
"We haven't finalised it yet, but that's the way we'll probably go now. The way he performed the other day showed he's going just as well as he was this time last year."
Natuzzi won the Listed J. Swap Contractors Sprint 12 months ago before he ran third behind Ryan Mark and Allez Eagle in the Railway, his best effort in three attempts in the event.
The gelding has gone close in the past to opening his Group One account with runner-up finishes in both the NRM Sprint and the Haunui Farm WFA Classic to his credit.
Meanwhile, the stable will cover their sprinting bases with the promising Fire Jet likely to make his next appearance in the Listed Hallmark Stud (Newmarket) Handicap at Ellerslie on December 26.
The winner of five of his 13 starts, he finished fourth in the Listed Counties Bowl two runs back before finishing third behind Natuzzi in the Concorde. – NZ Racing Desk.
The eight-year-old's impressive last-start victory in the Gr.3 Concorde Handicap is almost certain to be rewarded with a return to Ellerslie on New Year's Day for a start in the Sistema Railway.
"It will either be the Newmarket or the Railway, but with the set weights and penalties he does get in well in the Railway," said Paul Richards, who prepares the son of Coats Choice at Byerley Park with Peter and Dawn Williams.
"We haven't finalised it yet, but that's the way we'll probably go now. The way he performed the other day showed he's going just as well as he was this time last year."
Natuzzi won the Listed J. Swap Contractors Sprint 12 months ago before he ran third behind Ryan Mark and Allez Eagle in the Railway, his best effort in three attempts in the event.
The gelding has gone close in the past to opening his Group One account with runner-up finishes in both the NRM Sprint and the Haunui Farm WFA Classic to his credit.
Meanwhile, the stable will cover their sprinting bases with the promising Fire Jet likely to make his next appearance in the Listed Hallmark Stud (Newmarket) Handicap at Ellerslie on December 26.
The winner of five of his 13 starts, he finished fourth in the Listed Counties Bowl two runs back before finishing third behind Natuzzi in the Concorde. – NZ Racing Desk.