As Cup Week looms, the various Sires' Stakes series have thrown out more storylines and theories than an entire carnival week lift-out.
Tour Party has added another stop to his itinerary and a new chapter with his Ashvegas record-breaker.
It's difficult to hear Carter Dalgety's post-match comments these days over the cheers of the crowds of... owners!
A breeders brief before more….
Price Bloodstock revelled in a red-letter Labour Day, watching their Tour Party rage on and prepping Chicago Sky themselves to win the mares' feature. Throw in Duchess Maria for good measure and it's fair to say Katrina, John and fam have a busy carnival ahead.
But that's why we do it, yeh?
Now, back to more...
There is nothing "Lucky" about Luka. A highly qualified opponent on Cup Day.
Scoundrel? Not disgraced. He already fancies the Derby distance!
The Wolf needs another length to emerge but at least he's running with the pack now.
There’s Faith, Not Fear this year's Sires' Stakes Final shapes as another for the ages!
Where off to, Suva Baby? Right after Addington, anyway.
The fun and fast filly, raced by about the population of a small Pacific nation, produced a refreshing result in the series after a perfectly plotted trip to Ashburton.
Checked into a box seat early by ‘Carts’ Dalgety, enjoyed business class throughout, then shot through the priority lane on arrival. While others were still waiting with their baggage, she was relaxing in the first time winners' lounge.
Belle Biddy got the runaround from her back-row seat. Nella, keen on an upgrade, successfully stuck to her own itinerary up front while Jorja just missed her win connection again.
Look forward to seeing who makes the show day snaps on the big day with Eternal Perfection on the fringes hoping for a no show on show day!
It was another "best day out" award for Kentuckiana in Mid Canterbury even if Grimmo had arrived.
In an unprecedented show of the Kiwi Standard in standardbred fillies, the ‘Me Three Movement' has secured places for the final. Cherish Me, All Of Me and Indulge Me, all good and you can almost guarantee at least one will be great...
Ripples arrived, scorched a lap of the Ashburton Speedway and left with the confirmed booking she came for.
On everyone's mind after, did Cath step back from the cliff?
Yes, "Heath cliff, It's me, Cathy, at the end of your window..." leaving Time For Change and Dolly Parton clinging over the edge!
Maybe it was the day at the races, but are these Sires' Stakes horses at peak blossom right now?
‘They’re ripped’ one new enthusiast reckoned!
Full credit to all concerned in every barn bringing them.
Has this come to a staredown?
A classic shootout?
The Duke is in town and the rules are simple.
There are no rules.
Eyes wide open for the only shot you get at him.
If he breaks, he's dead.
If you blink, you're buried.
Another Cup Week five-star watch either way!
