Northern Raider Set For Ashburton Feature

18th Oct 2012

Group One 2000 Guineas (1600m) nominee, D’Cash Man (NZ) (Mr Nancho), will further his preparation for the Spring three-year-old classic when he lines up against nine age-group rivals in the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton on Friday.

An impressive last start winner at Riccarton in his first trip South for Ruakaka trainers Kenny & Lisa Rae, who also part own the gelding, D’Cash Man will have a decent fight on his hands as he takes on  a pair of promising fillies who also have Group One aspirations.

As well as holding Group One 1000 Guineas (1600m) nominations, Emerald Queen (NZ) (O’Reilly) and Abidewithme (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) are also in the running to take on the boys in the 2000 Guineas on the first day of the three day Riccarton Carnival.

Emerald Queen (NZ) was an impressive last start winner and the half sister to 2011 Group One New Zealand Derby (2400m) runner, Red Shift (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn) looks as though she will be well suited by the step up to 1400m on Friday.

Abidewithme (NZ) also has a blue-blood pedigree that suggests she will appreciate the longer trips as her mum, Crimson (NZ) (Zabeel) was a very handy stayer who was good enough to win at Group Two level over 2100m.

The chances don’t end there with last start winner Berenice (Holy Roman Emperor) and the Baker/Forsman trained Big Rocket (Shaft) also set to play a role in the outcome of the race.