Kenton Wright Race Images
The connections of Excelleration are casting the net far and wide for chances to add black type to the filly’s pedigree.
The Pukekohe-trained three-year-old will open her three-start southern campaign in Saturday’s Listed Liquorland Gore Guineas (1335m).
“There are good opportunities down there for her,” current trainer Nigel Tiley said. “After Saturday, I’m going to transfer her to Shane Kennedy and she’ll stay on for the Dunedin and Southland Guineas.”
The daughter of Exceed And Excel and the Group One performer Abeautifulred headed south earlier this week off the back of a fifth at Ellerslie and a Rating 65 victory at Ruakaka.
“Her last win was good and before that I think she may have struck herself,” Tiley said. “She was travelling well at the top of the straight and then got on one rein.”
To be ridden by Kylie Williams, Excelleration will jump from barrier 10.
“As long as she gets some cover and held up for one run she’ll be fine,” Tiley said.
Meanwhile, the unbeaten Melt has been in the paddock since winning the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, which followed her debut success in the Listed Ashford Lodge 2YO Stakes (1100m) on her home course.
“She’s having a break and I’ll set her for the Sistema Stakes,” Tiley said. “She’ll probably have a quiet trial at Avondale next month.”
Stablemate and last-start Ellerslie winner The Justice League has recovered from a minor setback and he will be back in action at Pukekohe next Friday.
“He had a stone bruise and he’s 100 per cent right again,” Tiley said. “He’ll run in the open mile here.” – NZ Racing Desk.