Air Max Doubles Up in Guineas

Media Release - Saturday February 2

Talented three-year-old Air Max doubled his winning tally at stakes level when he burst between runners to claim a comfortable victory in the Listed Mediaworks Dunedin Guineas (1500m) at Wingatui.

Air Max - Wild Range PhotographyThe Nadeem gelding had broken his maiden status when successful in the Listed Gore Guineas (1335m) on a Slow8 surface last month in stunning fashion when producing a slashing finish to power over the top of his age-group rivals.

Trainer Lance Robinson had been pleased with how his charge had improved since his Gore victory as he weighed up his chances before the race.

"He has come on since that race," he said.

"He got back the other day, only because he got checked early in the race, but with a good draw I can't see why he can't get a good run behind the speed and then find the line."

Robinson could hardly have written a better script as the race panned out virtually as he described it.

Given a good run in mid-field by rider Terry Moseley, Air Max lobbed along nicely before moving into contention with 600m to run. Things started to get a bit dicey early in the run home, with a wall of horses in front of him, however once Moseley angled his charge into the clear Air Max hit top-gear in a few big bounds as he dashed clear to defeat Upscale with Highly Unlikely in third.

Advertisement

"I'm just so pleased to see him do that as I've always said he's better on top of the ground," Robinson said.

"My only concern was when I saw him start to get hemmed in approaching the straight.

"Terry said to me afterwards that he was getting into trouble from as far out as the 900m mark but when he got him into the clear he just went whoosh."

Robinson will now let the dust settle on the performance before making any further plans for his charge. He will take a similar approach with stablemate Khimar War who found himself in trouble in running for the second consecutive start before finishing off well in behind the place-getters. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Juvenile Stakes-Winner for Nadeem
Unbeaten youngster Sir Nate has earned himself a break ahead of his major summer target.
Third Black Type Win For Snitzel’s Lazzura
A member of the Waller team to hold a dual acceptance leading into Saturday’s Randwick meeting, it was the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m) where 4yo Snitzel mare Lazzura came out on top, recording her third black type victory.
Carlyon Stakes To Baraqiel – Second SW For Snitzel
Successful in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1200m) last time in, Sniztel’s 7yo son Baraqiel continued his outstanding record at the Moonee Valley circuit, resuming to win the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) first up, highlighting potential Group 1 spring aims.
Winning Return for the Best in Australia - Via Sistina
Set to be crowned Australia’s Horse of the Year for last season, the mighty Fastnet Rock mare Via Sistina (IRE) returned on a rain soaked track at Randwick on Saturday to win the $1million Group I ATC Winx Stakes (1400m).
Sires With Winners - Saturday August 23
Here is the full list of 106 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Autumn Glow
Resuming off the back of two solid barrier trials efforts, Chris Waller’s Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) stepped up to open company for the first time, with the $1.8m yearling purchase extending her unbeaten run to five with victory in the Group 3 ATC Toy Show Quality (1100m) at Randwick.
Half-Brother to New SW Air Max to Sell at Karaka
Riccarton visitor Air Max upset some well-fancied rivals when he flashed home late to capture the Listed Liquorland Gore Guineas (1335m) on Saturday.
First Black Type Victory For Nellie Leylax (IRE)
Not a bad way to break through for your first Australian victory as the Annabel and Rob Archibald trained Nellie Leylax (IRE) cleared out by more than two lengths to claim the Group 3 ATC Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Randwick.
Sterling Express Wins G2 Foxbridge Plate
Sterling Express stepped up to Group level for the first time in Saturday’s Gr.2 Waikato Stud Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa, and a stunning last-to-first performance showed that he belongs.
New Star for Hellbent – Savvy Hallie Wins G2 Silver Shadow
Yarraman Park’s Hellbent has made his name with brilliant Group I winning mares Magic Time and Benedetta with exciting filly Savvy Hallie adding her name his list of stakes-winners with a stylish victory in the Group II ATC Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.