Bruno Cannatelli
An Australian filly is still in the mix for a trip to Christchurch for next month’s Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m).
The Anthony Freedman-trained Pageantry remained in the field for the gavelhouse.com New Zealand Bloodstock-sponsored feature on November 18 after second withdrawals on Wednesday.
“It’s certainly an option and we’re keeping a close eye on it, apart from Prom Queen it looks an open Guineas,” Freedman’s racing manager Brad Taylor said. “She’s still a chance to go over.”
She is a daughter of I Am Invincible and the New Zealand-bred Andromache, who won two races and was placed in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) and in the Listed Gore Guineas (1355m).
Pageantry has won once from eight starts and most recently she finished seventh in the Gr.2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
“She’s just had no luck and last time she was three deep without cover,” Taylor said. “She stuck on well and wasn’t far away.
“Two starts back at Caulfield she was held up in the straight and featured twice in the stipes’ report.”
Pageantry’s proposed trip to Riccarton will be further discussed by her connections after she runs in Saturday’s Gr.2 Fillies’ Classic (1600m) at Moonee Valley.
Meanwhile, the stable is delighted with the New Zealand-bred filly Reliable Dame, who finished fourth in Wednesday’s Listed Geelong Classic (2200m).
“She made plenty of ground and Craig Williams got off her and said she’s a real Oaks contender,” Taylor said.
“She’s going to eat up 2500m so she’s a serious chance to give Reliable Man his first Group One winner down here.”
A weekend work-out will decide if a fellow New Zealand-bred in Freedman’s team remains in contention for another classic, the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m).
Tavistock Abbey won twice before a last-start sixth in the Gr.3 Caulfield Classic (2000m).
“He got knocked over at the start and that was the end of him,” Taylor said. “He’ll gallop on Saturday morning and then we’ll make up our minds if he pushes on to the Derby.
“He’s a Tavistock so he’ll certainly improve with more time and there are three Derbys in the autumn – Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide – so there’s no issue waiting with him.” – NZ Racing Desk.