CAMBRIDGE TRACKWORK REPORT
Honey Badger looked in great order at Cambridge this morning as she prepares for Saturday’s Group Three Grangewilliam Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes for fillies and mares. The consistent daughter of El Roca completed her work nicely held in 43.6, and with conditions looking favourable, she shapes as an interesting black-type contender.
Looking equally sharp was Astoria Brooke, who is set to contest the Listed Fairview Matamata Kaimai Stakes and stopped the clock in 43.4.
High Country, heading to Race 6 at Matamata on Saturday, was kept under a hold to record 43.9, while fellow Matamata runner Frozen Fortune, who lines up in Race 9, completed her work in 41.8.
Tony Pike had plenty of activity on the track, with Autumn Eve and last-start winner Shirase matching strides in a smart 39.9. Grocer’s Girl worked home in 42.9, Rubidium recorded 43.4, while Home Affairs three-year-old filly Truly Devine topped the clock in 43.6. Just The Berries was kept quiet in 44.9, with Song Of Valour another to be given an easy time, clocking 45.0.
Roger James and Robert Wellwood also had a busy morning, with several gallopers catching the eye ahead of weekend assignments.
The Precursor looked good working over ground and finishing in 42.9 ahead of his Matamata Race 6 engagement. Five-time winner Arabian Songbird cruised home in 41.9, while six-time winner Grinzinger Moon continues to come up nicely, recording a sharp 40.4.
Confesara rounded off her work in 41.7, while last season’s Champagne Stakes winner Incandescent impressed with 40.2. Cosmic Dream, from seven starts has had five thirds and a win, ran home in 41.8.
Last-start winner Spellbound returned 40.3, with The Spaniard in 41.9, Celebrate Now 41.7, Roccadonna42.4, Pearling Crown 42.1, Elegante 40.3, Locomotive41.8 and Opening Bid 41.6.
Andrew Forsman had just the one galloper on the track, with lightly tried Autumn Queen completing her work in 44.0.
Stephen Marsh’s Hidden Achievement adds plenty of interest to Matamata Race 4. The four-year-old entire by I Am Invincible will make his New Zealand debut and, despite being a one-win horse, has already competed successfully at Group One level in Australia, finishing second in the JJ Atkins. He was nicely held this morning, completing his work in 41.9.
Marsh’s only other galloper seen was recent trial winner Flashback, who stopped the clock in 42.1.
All eyes will also be on Cambridge this weekend as Well Written heads across the Tasman in pursuit of Australian Group One glory. We wish the daring Cambridge mare and the Marsh team all the very best for the weekend.