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Geelong or Moonee Valley options for Patrick Erin; Te Akau Shark to Christchurch;NZB Breeze-ups Online

Geelong or Moonee Valley options for Patrick Erin

New Zealand-owned stayer Patrick Erin looks likely to miss a run in Saturday’s Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m), for which he is first emergency.

Trainer Chris Waller reported the last start Gr.1 Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) winner has arrived safely into the Flemington stable.

“Unfortunately he is the first emergency in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday but if he does gain a start he certainly deserves his position there after winning the Metropolitan.

“His runs this preparation have all been very good – not just winning the Metropolitan but his run prior to that behind Avilius and Brimham Rocks which seems to be good form.

“It was certainly an eye catching run and a tough 2400m is exactly what he is looking for.

“He is the winner of 11 races on varying tracks from good to soft, Corey Brown is booked to ride on Saturday from barrier 12 so we are just hoping to see him gain a start.”

Should Patrick Erin not gain a Caulfield Cup berth, the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Wednesday or the Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2500m) next Saturday are possible plan b options.

Te Akau Shark to Christchurch

Impressive last start winner Te Akau Shark will tackle the Gr.2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton in preference to a trip across the Tasman.

The Jamie Richards-trained four-year-old toyed with his rivals in the Gr.3 Red Badge Sprint (1400m) on the final day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival and has subsequently spent time on the water walker before returning to the stable.

“We will look to give him a gallop somewhere before the Coupland’s but he will go straight there without another raceday start,” Richards said.

“We did consider a Melbourne campaign, but there are plenty of options for the horse in Australia in autumn.”

Te Akau Shark has won four of his five starts to date.

NZB Breeze-ups Online

The Breeze-ups for New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs are now available online to view.

Earlier this week, 397 youngsters breezed down the home straight at Te Rapa Racecourse with their last 200m of work filmed and timed.

Sale graduates have gone on to perform at the highest level and include the likes of three-time Group One winners Gingernuts, Turn Me Loose and Mongolian Khan.

The sale will take place at New Zealand Bloodstock’s famed Karaka Sales complex on November 21 and 22.

Breeze-up videos can be viewed on New Zealand Bloodstock’s website: nzb.co.nz