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‘Quake impacts on rising staying star’s travel plans

3 minute read

Terri Rae has had to rethink Bloodstream’s path into next month’s Gr.3 Wellington Cup.

Bloodstream Picture: Trish Dunell

Forces beyond her control have resulted in the Riccarton trainer finding an alternative route to the Wallaceville Estate-sponsored feature on January 21.

“We were going to the Manawatu Cup, but with the way the roads are down here due to the earthquake it’s added an extra day to the travelling and we only want to make the one trip north,” Rae said.

“At this stage, we’re now looking at going up for the Marton Cup or the Trentham Stakes before the cup.”

Bloodstream has been in outstanding form this preparation and following his maiden success in September he won his next four starts, including three Rating 85 races and a double during New Zealand Cup week.

“He had a couple of weeks off after that and he’s coming up really well again,” Rae said.

“He’ll have his next start in the Timaru Cup and that will be the stepping stone to the trip north.”

The Listed event on December 28 is also on the programme of Aspen Lass, the winner of four of her last five starts.

“Time has been a big help to her and we might look at the White Robe for her as well,” Rae said.

She has also pencilled in another in-form pair – the last-start winners Riding Shotgun, who holds a nomination for the Gr.1 J. R. & N. Berkett Telegraph, and Margarita Mover – as possible Trentham contenders.

“Riding Shotgun will run in the Timaru Stakes next and the 1400 metres will be the ideal trip for him,” Rae said.

“There’s also the Listed sprint at Dunedin on Boxing Day so a run in the Telegraph will depend how he goes in his next couple of starts.”

Margarita Mover was another member of the stable to post a winning double during last month’s New Zealand Cup meeting.