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Positive steps for Auckland merger; Oaks target for Impecunious; Ocean Beyond targeting autumn campaign;

Positive steps for Auckland merger

The proposed merger between the Auckland and Counties Racing Clubs has taken another positive step this month with the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

"Feedback from members and the wider industry on the proposal has been positive with many expressing support for the potential of the new club to deliver a sustainable future for racing in the Auckland region," the clubs said in a joint statement.

"Over the last month we have continued to develop the proposal and a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the amalgamation has now been signed by ARC and CRC.

"The MOU sets out the broad parameters of the proposed amalgamation, key objectives, and suggested approach from here. It is non-binding and remains subject to board and member approval."

The Clubs added that continued talks with the Avondale Jockey Club and their involvement with the new amalgamated club remain positive.

"Discussions with the Avondale Jockey Club (AJC) on their involvement with a new amalgamated club have also been positive," the clubs said.

"We expect these to progress further in the New Year.

"Overall, we are pleased with progress that has been made in recent weeks and the response from our collective membership to the amalgamation proposal.

"A good framework has been developed and we are optimistic about progressing this in a substantive way early in 2021, including members forums at both clubs."

Oaks target for Impecunious

A 1400m test awaits New Zealand-bred filly Impecunious in the new year ahead of some bigger targets, including the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in April.

"She'll go to a 1400m race on one of those days (January 1 at Flemington or January 2 at Caulfield) and then have 10 days in the paddock with a view to getting her to the ATC Oaks," Trent Busuttin, who trains in partnership with Natalie Young, told Racing.com.

"She's out of a Zabeel mare and that (Oaks) is what she was bought for.

"She's got plenty of class and that allows her to get away with these shorter-trip races but she's going to be beautifully placed over a mile-plus."

Impecunious was previously trained in New Zealand by Michael and Mathew Pitman, for whom she won and placed in her two starts in her homeland.

She was subsequently sold to Australian interests and rewarded her new connections with a first-up Australian victory over 1200m at Caulfield.

"It was a good effort because they were ripping along in front and carving out some good sectionals but once she peeled out on the turn, she was always going to pick them up and she did so with her ears pricked," he said.

Ocean Beyond targeting autumn campaign

Warrnambool trainer Daniel Bowman is feeling upbeat despite a seven-figure deal falling through for his undefeated gelding Ocean Beyond.

Connections were offered upwards of A$1.3 million for the son of Ocean Park, although the transaction was not completed after the three-year-old failed the vetting stage of the process.

"We went through the rigors of getting him vetted and I think they got a bit scared off about how immature he was, he wasn't heavy enough," Bowman said. "He is probably still six months off maturity-wise.

"They said there was an issue on x-ray so they failed him and we did our own due diligence post that, had MRI's done and what not at Ballarat but there was no issue we could find.

"He is having a spell now and we will get him ready for the Sydney Autumn.

"He is a serious horse."

While disappointed the deal fell through, Bowman is looking on the brights side and is excited about the gelding's prospects heading into Autumn.

"We had started to make plans in pencil to spend the money we would have got from our percentage but we had to rub out those pretty quickly," he said.

"The money would have been good but I have a lot of faith in this horse, so if his soundness stays good I think he could be a Group One winner in the next 12 or 18 months."

Ocean Beyond won his debut in November at Geelong before stepping up to stakes level three weeks later to win the Listed McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.