Australia has never seen a New Zealand Cup Week raid like it.
A remarkable 10 horses, six of them Victorians, will target majors across Tuesday (NZ Cup Day) and Friday (Show Day).
Some will even stick around a week longer for other features on the “Age Group Classics” night on November 21.
Here’s my take on the Aussies.
TEAM AUSSIE
LEAP TO FAME (Qld)
Target races: $NZ1mil Gp1 IRT NZ Cup (Tuesday), $NZ200,000 Gp1 NZ FFA (Friday)
Hamilton says: It’s great to see him finally get to this great race. Tad below his best around Victoria Cup time, but trainer insists he’s back to his best. Great stayer so the 3200m is ideal, as long he steps away OK. Clearly the horse to beat at his best.
KINGMAN (NSW)
Target races: $NZ1mil Gp1 IRT NZ Cup (Tuesday), $NZ125,000 Gp1 Christian Cullen (November 21)
Hamilton says: What a breath of fresh air he’s been in the big league. Fantastic Victoria Cup win and boasts Leap To Fame and Swayzee as scalps at his past two runs. A new challenge from a standing start up to 3200m. but oozes talent and potential.
JILLIBY BALLERINI (Vic)
Target races: $NZ400,000 Gp1 Dominion Trot, $NZ100,000 Gp1 NZ Trotting FFA (Friday), $NZ60,000 Gp2 Grand Duchess Trot (November 21)
Hamilton says: What a season she’s had with 10 wins from 13 starts. Gone from living in Keayang Zahara’s shadow to not far behind her at all. Won only standing-start, but inside draw not ideal here. If she steps, the one to beat.
ARCEE PHOENIX (Vic)
Target races: $NZ400,000 Gp1 Dominion Trot, $NZ100,000 Gp1 NZ Trotting FFA (Friday)
Hamilton says: Is he peaking at the right time as trainer-driver Chris Svanosio has done so often with him, or hasn’t he come back at his top this campaign? That’s the burning question. If he steps well, the long trip will be ideal and he should race right on the speed.
GUS (Qld)
Target races: $NZ400,000 Gp1 Dominion Trot, $NZ100,000 Gp1 NZ Trotting FFA (Friday)
Hamilton says: Has always oozed talent and becoming more a racehorse with time. Sure to be giving them a big start, but run blinding sectional times and the long distance should actually suit him. Can win.
PARISIAN ARTISTE (Vic)
Target races: $NZ400,000 Gp1 Dominion Trot, $NZ100,000 Gp1 NZ Trotting FFA (Friday)
Hamilton says: Don’t sell this fella short. The draw isn’t ideal, but he likes standing start racing and will relish the 3200m. Expect a cheeky run.
TRACY THE JET (Vic)
Target races: $NZ500,000 The Ascent (Friday), $NZ140,000 Gp1 NZ Trotting Oaks
Hamilton says: She’s the 3YO version of Jilliby Ballerini with the amazing season she’s had. Eight wins and a huge second (to Gatesys Gem) in the Gp1 NSW Trotters’ Oaks. Keayang Zahara won this race last year for Australia. Bumping into some nice locals, headed by Meant To Be, but very hard to beat.
GATESYS GEM (Vic)
Target races: $NZ500,000 The Ascent (Friday), $NZ140,000 Gp1 NZ Trotting Oaks
Hamilton says: Won the NSW Oaks/Derby double earlier this year and had a few issues before getting back to the races this time. Improving with each run and should be peaking at the right time. Quick beginner if draws well. Respect.
FATE AWAITS (Qld)
Target races: $NZ500,000 Velocity (Friday), $NZ300,000 Gp1 NZ Derby (November 21)
Hamilton says: Stablemate of Leap To Fame who is already a three-time Group 1 winner. Solid run in the Victoria Derby two runs back. Facing a bumper Kiwi three-year-old crop, headed by Got The Chocolates and Marketplace – but can surprise with a good draw.
KYVALLEY RAY (Vic)
Target races: $NZ125,000 Gp1 NZ 2YO Sires’ Stake final (Friday),
Hamilton says: Showed promise in four Aussie runs before trainer Brent Lilley sent him across the ditch where he’s gone to another level with three runs for two wins and a huge second.
The full coverage of the two big New Zealand meetings will be streamed live and free at TrotsVision.com.au thanks to a partnership between NZ Trackside, Sky Racing and Harness Racing Victoria.
