Although this is the type of question one might typically ask about an old high school colleague, in this post we will not be digging into the annuals of history, but merely catching up with some friends who we will see again in the near future. At this time of year there is so much racing going on, and so many horses aiming for big races on both sides of the Tasman. It is not unusual to scan a field and see a familiar name, and think "how do I know that name?" or "I didn't realise that horse was racing over there?" I find it most often happens with 4YO's, you become so familiar with a group of 3YO's all competing against each other, then as they step up to the next level they start to target open fields, classify themselves by distance, or move overseas. Today I want to see where they are, what they might be targeting, and what their chances may be.
The Obvious Ones
Jimmy Choux
How do I know that name? Aside from the fact he will get some main stream press. As a Three Year Old he won the Rosehill Guineas, New Zealand Derby, 2000 Guineas.
What has he done since? He has had a great start to his 4YO campaign, winning two Group 1's and coming second in the other.
What's next? He is heading to Melbourne where he is favourite in the Cox Plate
Lion Tamer
How do I know that name? He win the 2010 Victorian Derby.
What has he done since? Came back strongly to win the WFA Underwood Stakes, it was a strong win which put him in Melbourne Cup contention. This was followed up by running second last in the Caulfield Stakes, a race where he didn't seem to get any luck early on and didn't finish as well as as you would expect.
What's next? I looks like he will start in both the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup. He most likely wont start as a favourite, but he has proved he is capable in Melbourne, and will likely carry 54kg in the Cup, so there is still a lot to like.
Kings Rose
How do I know that name? She won the New Zealand Thousand Guineas, and the Sir Tristram Fillies amongst other races
What has she done since? Now trained in Melbourne, she has had a great start to the season. Winning Two Group 2 Races, and running second to an inform Mufhasa in the Group 1 Toorak.
What's next? It is not completely oblivious, she is nominated in the Cox Plate ($18), I think she has proved herself over that distance in the past, but it still looks like a tough field, she could go very well and at $18 is pretty good value. A race like the Myer Classic could also appeal given her recent record.
Scarlett Lady
How do I know that name? Winner of the Queensland Oaks, won 6 in a row before the Spring .
What has she done since? Good run in the Makfi in New Zealand, was unlucky in the Underwood, but ran home well.
What's next? Unfortunately she suffered an injury in the Underwood, it looks like she will be out of racing until late summer.
New Zealand Oaks Contenders
Midnight Oil
How do I know that name? Winner New Zealand Oaks
What has she done since? That was her last start in New Zealand, capping off a solid yet unpredictable 3YO year.
Whats next? Who knows, no seriously, if you know leave a comment, I cant find any indication through Google, NZ Racing, or Australian Racing Websites.
Zennista
How do I know that name? In addition to her 2nd in the New Zealand Oaks she raced well, particularly early as at 3YO.
What has she done since? One start at Rating 90 as a 4YO, for forth.
Whats next? No nominations in New Zealand are listed on her New Zealand Racing Profile. You can imagine she is looking to continue to build on that fourth.
Dating
How do I know that name? Dating had a great 2YO year, and a competitive 3YO year, winning at Group 3 level before heading to Sydney and competing in the AJC Oaks.
What has she doe since? She has had one start as a 4YO, a very good eye catching win in a top field of Mares at Group 3 Level, many in that race will have big plans this spring.
Whats Next? She is nominated in the Coupland Bakeries Mile, and she probably has a good shot, she is currently paying $10 after that win. It has also been reported she might be looking towards Melbourne and possibly the Myer Classic, however it does not appear a decision has been made.
New Zealand Derby Contenders
He's Remarkable
How do I know that name? Second New Zealand 2000 Guineas, ran in New Zealand Derby
What has he done since? Competed in the Rosehill Guineas and AJC Derby. Come back inspired as a 4YO winning his first two starts at Rating 90 level very solidly.
Whats next? Coupland Bakeries Mile, he is currently the favourite ($4). Looks like a good target but could be competitive with some of the older horses and Twlight Savings.
Icepin
How do I know that name? Won the Avondale Guineas, super consistent as at 3YO, competitive and winning a number of significant races.
What has he done since? Has not started since the Derby.
Whats next? He was a very talented 3YO and 2YO, sill surely continue when he returns at a 4YO. Not sure when that is likely to be.
Banchee
How do I know that name? Banchee was scratched in the Derby despite a promising runner on the back of a strong year as a 3YO. Winner at Group 1 level as a 2YO, she looks good particularly over a mile as a 3YO.
What has she done since? She had another Group 1 start as a 3YO, she won her only start as a 4YO to date in a small R90 at Taupo.
Whats next? She is nominated in the Couplands Bakeries Mile ($18), however word is this John Sargent trained runner could be another who might end up in the Myer Classic, which is looking like it could be a destination for a number of top Kiwi Mares, however it looks like Sargent is leaving this decision to the Vela's. I like Banchee, I think she has had some bad luck in certain races in her career and could be a real challenger for the CB mile, she could definitely go well over 1600m in Melbourne too.
Levin Classic
We Can Say It now
How do I know that name? Winner of the Levin Classic, also beat the older horses in the Captain Cook Stakes.
What has she done since? Her last start as a 3YO was a 5th in an excellent field in Hamilton, she then went to the Australian Guineas where she finished 14th.
Whats next? It appeared she was on her way to Dubai. She did not start in the Dubai Duty Free. It appears she has been retired.
New Zealand 2000 Guineas
Twlight Savings
How do I know that name? She was placed in both 2000 and 1000 Guineas. She also won an Open WFA race in Rotorua in impressive fashion prior to the 2000 Guineas.
What has she done since? She has at Three Starts as a 4YO with Two wins and an impressive third, one of the wins was at Group 3 level. In the third she absolutely flew home with Guiseppina who is highly rated herself for obvious reasons, her last win was sensational, going forward and dominating the pace before taking off for victory.
Whats next? She is nominated for the Coupland Mile, currently is second favourite ($5), I think she is probably a bit better than He's Remarkable right now and could win that race. It appears she is doing something different as she is one of the few Kiwi Mares not aiming for the Myer Classic, at least a good search reveals no such plans at this stage.
Remember Howe
How do I know that name? Surprisingly she has only won two races, one at Group 3 and one at Listed level. I say surprisingly because she was not that far away from winning more, with five seconds, three thirds and three fourths (including her four starts at age four).
What has she done since? Continued her form, 4322 from her past four starts.
Whats next? A win at some point you could assume, she is not nominated for any major races at this point but again you may see her in some later in the year.
Cellarmaster
How do I know that name? Cellarmaster had a very strong year as a 2YO, he was not able to reproduce the wins or Group 1 placings at age three. Remember Cellarmaster vs Jimmy Choux was a legitimate debate at age two.
What has he done since? His last New Zealand start was in December last year. He then raced the remainder of his 3YO year in Australia, he recorded a win in June. He has one start at age four where he finished 6th to the likes of Whobegotyou and Lights of Heaven.
Whats next? Probably more races in Aussie, looking for more black type.
Hoofit
How do I know that name? If you read this blog I talked about his win in the Bonecrusher Stakes here.
What has he done since? Not much in New Zealand, but I recently read he is in the USA and winning.
Whats next? Maybe the Breeders Cup Sprint.
New Zealand Thousand Guineas
Smoulder
How do I know that name? She ran third in the Thousand Guineas, she improved and went on to win at Group 2 level in the Eight Carat Classic, and then finish second to Barinka in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes.
What has she done since? Placed in the Foxbridge Plate, she has at one start at Flemington.
Whats next? It would only be speculation to say that she has a target in the Myer Classic, but certainly more races in Australia appear to be on the cards.
Others
Fleur de Lune
How do I know that name? She was Group 1 placed at 3YO and won three other races.
What has she done since? She has placed in two other Group races including a third to Mufhasa and Jimmy Choux
Whats next? She ran on the weekend at the Taranaki Breeders Stakes, she came tenth which was her worst race day placing. She holds no other nominations in New Zealand, at one point she held a nomination for the Cox Plate, so maybe Melbourne is still the target this spring.
Guiseppina
How do I know that name? I mentioned her earlier. She was highly rated at age three. She won four races, but did not fire when favourite at Group 1 level.
What has she done since? Ran a good second at Open Handicap level, She was then unlucky on the weekend at Group 3 level in the Taranaki Breeders Stakes.
Whats next? She may be another going to Melbourne.
You are now caught up with some of your favourite 3YO's from last year, many have started off well back in New Zealand and are heading over to the big money in Melbourne. Look for others to return in the coming months and return to the form which saw them running in New Zealand's biggest races for 3YO's.
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