Gingernuts’ Caulfield Cup campaign goes up another gear

Tom Walter - Wednesday September 20

Leading Caulfield Cup hope Gingernuts is set to start favourite in Saturday's Group I Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings as he looks to join an honour roll that includes champion New Zealanders Jimmy Choux and Mufhasa.

Advertisement
Gingernuts wins the 2017 Group I Rosehill Guineas. Photo: Steve Hart

Gingernuts, winner of the Group I NZ Derby (2400m) and Group I Rosehill Guineas (2000m) last season, returned to racing as a four-year-old when finishing an eye-catching fifth in the Group I Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 4.

The Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained gelding rounded out his preparations for Saturday in a track gallop at Matamata on Tuesday morning.

Partnered by regular rider Opie Bosson, Gingernuts worked in company with stablemate Chance To Dance, clocking 39.2 seconds for the final 600m in heavy going.

Gingernuts is likely to remain in his homeland for his next two starts before crossing the Tasman Sea for the $3 million Group I Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 21.

The chestnut's final lead-up to Caulfield is set to be the Group I Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings on October 7.

Advertisment
More Reading...
People at Classic - Thursday Inspections Flat Chat
It was even busier on Thursday than it was on Wednesday at the Riverside complex for the Inglis Classic Sale and Maree McEwan was out speaking to more of the players in the lead up to Sunday.
Breeding to Win - 2026 Inglis Millennium
The $2million Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick this Saturday is for 2YO's that have come via the Inglis Sales and naturally the big stables have deployed some of their best juvenile firepower in pursuit of this big pot of cash.
Almanzor Sprinter on Track for More Riches
Local trainer David Greene can’t wait to head to Te Rapa on Saturday where he will be chasing $1.125 million in prizemoney with a trio of runners.
Darci Brahma Filly Primed for Oaks Lead Up
Tajana is coming toward the sharp end of her season and co-trainer Shaune Ritchie is well-qualified to rate her chances of ending it on a high.
Sires With Winners - Thursday February 5
Here is the full list of 40 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Nigella Lane Wins Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders
Cambridge mare Nigella Lane was runner-up in last year’s Listed Clubs NZ Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and she was able to go one better in this year’s edition at Tauherenikau on Waitangi Day.
Caulfield set for Charity Family Day fun and fundraising
Blue Diamond Preludes and the return of Group I VRC Victoria Derby winner Observer will make for a great Saturday at Caulfield and MRC CEO Tanya Fullarton said the day would be a celebration of racing, community and charity. 
Tarzino Mare Chasing G1
Tomodachi’s connections are banking on a target closer to home to bring out the best in the gifted mare on Saturday.
Inglis Millennium - Bubbles Go Up and Bubbles Come Down
Following two year old racing is a bit like watching little kids blowing bubbles at a birthday party!  A perfectly formed sphere appears, and oooh look! it's going higher than the others (squeals of excitement) and then oh -  it hit the clothesline.
Bloodstock Auction Sees Another Successful Sale Complete
The team at Bloodstock Auction has continued their stellar start to the New Year with their latest catalogue, headlined by the sale of elite staying prospect KALUAKOI to the Chris Munce Racing team.