This is the time of year when the 2YO's start racing for big stakes, taking on black type races and approaching that first of two Group One races in New Zealand for 2YO's. A lot has taken place on the track since my first edition of 2YO Power Rankings which was just after the Karaka Million.
The other significant change was off the track when the connections of Ockham's Razor decided to leave their colt in New Zealand to take on Group 1 races. It is significant because after winning the Karaka Million he clearly would have been number 1 on the first list. He was subsequently beaten by Choice Bro who was seventh on the initial list.
Without further ado, on to this weeks list
Dropped from Rankings: Hazel (6), Mai Guru (8), Hogwarts Express (9)
Honourable Mention: Hazel (hardest omission), Mai Guru, Hogwarts Express, Oasis Rose, Croatia (so impressive coming home), Lumiere Blue, Liberating
(10) Seleno (N/A) - Amazing finish at New Plymouth and was a very narrow third.Was racing consistently prior to Christmas. One to watch, particularly as the 2YO races increase to 1400m in distance.
(9) Travino (1) - He didn't seem to have the form he showed prior to Christmas. I would be willing to give him another chance as he was so strong early on in the season.
(8) Rollout the Carpet (N/A) - Looked a potential riser with the Matamata victory. Was handy and ran home well. Back to back wins, will be interesting to see how high she continues climb.
(7) Silk Pins (2) - Pretty good third on the weekend. The race was probably not as strong as the Karaka Million but she seemed to run home nicely once she got going. This is a big drop but it is a reflection of other performances.
(6) Irish Rebel (5) - Was chasing down Magic Shaft on the weekend in a strong race. I thought it was an interesting run in Matamata. He raced wide and uncovered early and was towards the back of the pack. Having been to that race day in the past I know they get a big crowd, the crowd stretches down the side of the track, as Irish Rebel rounded the turn and down the straight he kept looking to the right (the crowd side), I am wondering if he was unsettled or distracted? It might be interesting to see him in blinkers. Either way he finished off strongly which is testament to his natural ability.
(5) Pussy Willow (4) - Hasn't raced since the last rankings, continues to look like a very strong 2YO contender.
(4) Warhorse (3) - Hasn't raced since the Karaka Million, he remains one of the top 2YO's in the country.
(3) Magic Shaft (10) - He beat a very good field in Matamata and was convincing. He looked to have that won well before the turn and really took off and sprinted for home in a well judged Michael Coleman ride.
(2) Choice Bro (7) - The natural second, a big win at Taranaki at Group 3 level, beating Ockham's Razor. He looked great winning too, finished off strongly, not sure if he will run in the Diamond Stakes the Manawatu Sires Produce or both, but I can imagine he will go very well over the 1400m on offer in the latter.
(1) Ockham's Razor (N/A) - He still deserves to be here, but will probably need to produce at Group 1 level to remain here. He was beaten by Choice Bro at Taranaki with a brilliant run from Choice Bro, however Ockham's Razor was all over the place and still almost won. It is hard to know what might have happened had he run straight and balanced over the last 400m, he seemed to interfere with other horses who may or may not have beaten him, but the balanced finish he produced with Craig Williams riding on Karaka Million night would have probably won that race.
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