3 minute read
Distance doubts with Selfie have cast a shadow over earlier plans to target the Gr.1 Sothys NZ 2000 Guineas with last season’s Karaka Million runner-up.
The Pukekohe three-year-old might be steady at $14 in the market for the November 7 mile classic, but the odds of him getting to Christchurch have drifted.
Selfie was unplaced last time out in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas and while he has taken no harm from the run, it has raised questions.“He’s eaten well since and he’s as good as gold,” trainer Richard Collett said. “He was a little bit above himself in the birdcage and he just over-raced and didn’t relax, which isn’t like him.
“I may take the blinkers off him at his next start and try him again at 1400 metres.”The race in question is the Gr.3 James & Annie Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa on Labour Day Monday.
“I don’t want to close the door on him getting 1400, but he might be better suited at 1200,” Collett said.“In the Sires’ Produce last season he had his chance and didn’t run it out and the other day at Hastings he didn’t relax. It’s one step at a time and we’ll look at the all the options.”
Meanwhile, Selfie’s stablemate Untamed Diamond is likely to make her next appearance in the three-year-old sprint at Rotorua on Saturday. She recently returned with an encouraging second behind Let Her Rip.“The ground at Te Rapa tripped her up a bit,” Collett said. “I don’t know if she will get 1400 metres either, she may later on. She’s a very fast and tough filly.”