Te Akau’s Four Hopefuls Set for Guineas Challenge

Four runners from Te Akau will compete in the upcoming Guineas, aiming for a slice of glory in the prestigious event. The team, led by trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, has high hopes for Cool Aza Rene, Belle Du Monde, Origin Of Love, and Belle Cheval. Meanwhile, last year’s winner, Captured By Love, shifts focus to the Group 3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).

Captured By Love has not secured a win since her Guineas triumph but showed promise by finishing second at Taupo against rival Churchillian. Despite this encouraging performance, her camp faced a setback when she drew the outside gate in a competitive 14-horse field. The team is now relying on jockey Opie Bosson, who is well-acquainted with the horse, to navigate the challenge ahead.

“The barrier draw is a shocker, but hopefully Opie can sort that out,” Bergerson stated. “He knows her really well from trackwork and throughout her career.”

Bergerson also expressed optimism about the conditions, noting that the set weights and penalties favor the group 1 winner, which could help her regain confidence. The trainer mentioned the frustration caused by recent cancellations of meetings in the north, highlighting how they initially planned to run in the Legacy Lodge (listed, 1200m) before the venue change to Pukekohe. “That’s right-handed, and we think she is a lot better going left-handed, so this is a good back-up option,” he added.

Strong Contenders in the Guineas

Te Akau’s Guineas hopefuls, Cool Aza Rene, Belle Du Monde, and Origin Of Love, have been training at the Riccarton base. Meanwhile, Belle Cheval comes off a recent maiden win at Ellerslie. Bergerson acknowledged the advantage of having experienced fillies competing in the Guineas, saying, “The fillies that have been down there do have a massive advantage. We’ve had a lot of luck doing it that way.”

Despite confidence in Belle Cheval’s talent, Bergerson noted the challenge ahead. “She is lightly raced and has to take the next step, but I think she’s the top seed,” he said. He pointed out that her recent sectionals were impressive and believes the mile distance will suit her well. However, he remains cautious about the competition from other fillies who have settled in at Riccarton.

Origin Of Love last shone in the Group 3 War Decree Stakes (1600m), while Cool Aza Rene excelled in the Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m), with Belle Du Monde finishing fourth in that race. “Origin Of Love is a stakes winner at a mile, and Cool Aza Rene proved us wrong when we stretched her out in trip,” Bergerson noted. He believes Belle Du Monde can perform well back at Riccarton and over a mile.

Looking Ahead to the Nautical Boat Insurance Metropolitan Trophy

Beyond the Guineas, the stable also anticipates success in the listed Nautical Boat Insurance Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) with the horse Court Of Appeal. Following the victory of former stable runner Mehzebeen in this race last year, Bergerson expressed confidence in Court Of Appeal’s potential. “She gets in well, but unfortunately has drawn the outside as well,” he remarked, adding that the step up in distance should suit the horse’s profile.

Bergerson compared Court Of Appeal to Mehzebeen, stating, “We think she is an out-and-out stayer and she’s got a pretty similar profile.” With the Guineas and the Metropolitan Trophy on the horizon, the Te Akau team is poised for an exciting weekend of racing.