NZ Spring Racing - Hawke's Bay

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The end of the depressing and bleak winter racing is in sight here in New Zealand, with the first day of Hawke's Bay's massive spring meeting, which culminates on October 6 with the $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes, only two weeks away. That day will see the running of the first leg of the unofficial triple crown for older horses, the Mudgway Stakes (1400m, weight-for-age).

Some of the leading Mudgway contenders are coming out tomorrow in the Foxbridge Plate at Te Rapa in Hamilton before heading south to the Bay.

The $1.75 favourite in the Foxbridge is Seachange (17:10-2-3), who won two legs of the Hastings treble last year and according to trainer Ralph Manning is "a much stronger and fitter horse" this time. That's a tad scary for her opponents!

But she has to beat last year's Foxbridge winner Bulginbaah, Cog Hill (1st, 2nd or 3rd in 25 of his 32 races), classy mare Sarajay and a multiple G2-winning three year-old filly of last season in Veloce Bella.

Some other Mudgway contenders such as Jokers Wild, J'Adane, Splashing Out, Oaks winner Princess Coup and iron horse Sir Slick are all expected to run at the Taupo trials next Tuesday.

So exciting to have all these horses back in action! Can't wait to go on a road trip down to Hawke's Bay for the Kelt for the 8th year in a row, always one of the highlights of my year.

I'll keep you up to date with the races and maybe post some of the articles I write for the Hawke's Bay newspaper once that meeting starts.