Special Memories
Race Images Christchurch
Dylan Turner has been handed a gilt-edge opportunity to retain his unbeaten record riding for the Matamata partnership of Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards.
Turner guided Astrid to success for the Te Akau Racing team at Awapuni on Boxing Day, which has helped him land the ride on Special Memories, a leading chance in the Listed Bob Sharrock Memorial Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth on Saturday.
"He's only had the one ride for us and he got the job done for us that day. When he rode Astrid for us, it was a fearless ride to get the win so we had no hesitation about putting him on," Richards said.
Fastnet Rock filly Special Memories had no luck at Matamata last start in Rating 75 company but her spring form, which saw her defeat subsequent Gr.1 1000 Guineas winner Risque then finish fourth to that filly in the Classic, places her at the top end of chances for Saturday's leadup to the Gr.1 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on March 18.
"She was held up a little in behind them and didn't really get a crack at Matamata but she's a class filly and a run like that wouldn't have hurt her," Richards said.
"She's just ticked over nicely since. The only concern is the wet track."
Richards indicated the Gr.3 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hastings on March 2 would become Special Memories' sole Oaks lead-up should the wet track force her withdrawal on Saturday, as it already has to pre-post Prelude favourite Jessabeel.
"She's a filly that left alone to do her own thing could roll along and see out a strong 2400m. She's out of a Galileo mare so she's bred to stay," Richards said.
Te Akau Racing's other stakes runner this weekend is Gr.3 Platinum Homes Taranaki Cup candidate Silverdale, who is looking to improve on his fifth placing in the race last year. - NZ Racing Desk
Turner guided Astrid to success for the Te Akau Racing team at Awapuni on Boxing Day, which has helped him land the ride on Special Memories, a leading chance in the Listed Bob Sharrock Memorial Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth on Saturday.
"He's only had the one ride for us and he got the job done for us that day. When he rode Astrid for us, it was a fearless ride to get the win so we had no hesitation about putting him on," Richards said.
Fastnet Rock filly Special Memories had no luck at Matamata last start in Rating 75 company but her spring form, which saw her defeat subsequent Gr.1 1000 Guineas winner Risque then finish fourth to that filly in the Classic, places her at the top end of chances for Saturday's leadup to the Gr.1 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on March 18.
"She was held up a little in behind them and didn't really get a crack at Matamata but she's a class filly and a run like that wouldn't have hurt her," Richards said.
"She's just ticked over nicely since. The only concern is the wet track."
Richards indicated the Gr.3 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hastings on March 2 would become Special Memories' sole Oaks lead-up should the wet track force her withdrawal on Saturday, as it already has to pre-post Prelude favourite Jessabeel.
"She's a filly that left alone to do her own thing could roll along and see out a strong 2400m. She's out of a Galileo mare so she's bred to stay," Richards said.
Te Akau Racing's other stakes runner this weekend is Gr.3 Platinum Homes Taranaki Cup candidate Silverdale, who is looking to improve on his fifth placing in the race last year. - NZ Racing Desk