3 minute read
Top form often emanates from the Waikato Sprint run at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Just last year Melody Belle beat Bostonian home and they won multiple G1s each. Can the 2020 Waikato Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday live up to that expectation.
2020 WAIKATO SPRINT - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
Waikato Sprint is a Group 1 race run under Weight For Age conditions for sprinters at Te Rapa race course conducted by the Waikato Racing Club.
The Waikato Sprint is run over 1400m. It was first run in 1974 and won by Kings Romance.
The Waikato Sprint is one of New Zealand's best WFA sprints and is a forerunner to many horses coming to Australia for bigger Autumn targets.
Xtravagant won as 3yo in 2016 by an incredible eight lengths.
The great Sunline won twice in 2001 and 2002 – her second win was followed by victories in the Coolmore Classic, Doncaster and All Aged Stakes.
Another Cox Plate winner (Our) Poetic Prince won the race in 1989 and then won the Tancred and Queen Elizabeth in the same campaign.
Top mare Melody Belle began a string of G1 wins including the Otaki Maori and the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes after taking the Waikato Sprint. She kept going later that Spring at home and in Australia.
The Waikato Sprint was worth NZ$200,000 in 2020.
Notable winners of Waikato Sprint include Melody Belle (2019), Start Wondering (2017/2018), Xtravagant (2016), Sacred Star (2015), Veyron (2012), Mufhasa (2009/2011), Tavistock (2010), Seachange (2008), Darci Brahma (2007), Sedecrem (2004/2005), Tit For Taat (2003), Sunline (2001/2002), Rebel (1998), Snap (1995), Western Red (1994), Veandercross (1993), Mr Tiz (1991), Poetic Prince (1989) and Courier Bay (1987/1988).
The 2019 Waikato Sprint was won by Melody Belle from Bostonian and Ardrossan.
