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Awapuni trainer Gary Vile will know this weekend if he’s on a spring path to Riccarton.
He has both Ransomed and Dragon Beauty nominated for next month’s Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup and the duo’s performances at Hastings on Saturday will confirm or deny a southern trip.
Ransomed will defend his Group One title in the Livamol Spring Classic on a preparation identical to the one that ended in glory 12 months ago.“He’s had the two runs back and he’s ready to go again,” Vile said. “He got too far back in the mile (Windsor Park Plate) the other day and they ran 1.34 and a bit.
“He had a bit of a puff after the race and it’s improved him. He galloped well on Saturday morning and he just needs a decent track and plenty of pace on to try and slingshot them like last year.”On that occasion, Ransomed and Johnathon Parkes stormed home from the back to down Nashville and Survived.
“I’ve left him in at Riccarton, but if he won the Spring Classic again then he probably wouldn’t go down there,” Vile said.He will also monitor the capable Dragon Beauty’s next effort before committing to a cup campaign.
“She’s a nice mare and we’ll make our minds up after she runs in the Rating 85 mile at Hastings,” Vile said.Twice successful over ground on her home track during her autumn campaign, Dragon Beauty was a trial winner before she was unplaced when resuming on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay carnival.
She was held up before getting clear 250 metres from home and made late ground behind Miss Selby for seventh.