Class NZ duo head to Gold Coast

A COUPLE of highly-regarded New Zealand raiders will launch their Queensland winter campaigns at the Gold Coast’s Prime Minister’s Cup meeting on Saturday.
Multiple Group One winner Shez Sinsational, trained by Allan Sharrock, and the Shaune Ritchie-trained Artistic were among a large contingent of Kiwi horses who arrived in Queensland at the weekend.
Shez Sinsational will run in Saturday’s $300,000 Gold Coast Turf Club Hollindale Stakes (1800m) while Artistic will tackle the $125,000 H Harvey Prestige Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m).
Shez Sinsational has won three times at Group One level back home, most recently in the Auckland Cup (3200m) on March 7.
Outstanding young Kiwi jockey James McDonald has been the mare’s regular rider in NZ, but he has commitments at Hawkesbury on Saturday. Singapore-based NZ rider Opie Bosson has been booked to ride Shez Sinsational in the Hollindale.
Shez Sinsational has won twice at weight-for-age at Group One level and warmed up for her Queensland trip with a last-start win over 1400m at Tauranga on April 21.
Artistic, to be ridden on Saturday by Chris Munce, won the NZ Oaks at Trentham at her most recent start on March 17.
Ritchie said the filly had settled in well at her Gold Coast stables after arriving on Sunday.
He is hoping Artistic can continue the good run for NZ fillies in the $400,000 Queensland Oaks (2400m) on June 2. Kiwi fillies Miss Keepsake and Scarlett Lady have won the past two Oaks.
Ritchie said he had backed off the filly since her NZ Oaks win and warns she won’t be at her best for Saturday’s Gold Coast assignment.
“”She did have an exhibition gallop at Matamata on Friday, but she hasn’t had a trial or anything,’’ he said.
There were 33 nominations for the Gold Coast Bracelet, including Gerald Ryan’s Randwick winner on Saturday, Angel Of Mercy.
Chris Waller nominated Eliza Blues, Scorpio Queen and Urban Rocker and Peter Snowden nominated the Lonhro filly Angelus, a last-start third to the promising Landing at Warwick Farm.
Gold Coast filly Rocksan (pictured) looks the best of the local hopes following her recent efforts in Brisbane.
The Toby Edmonds-trained filly rocketed home from the tail of the field at her most recent start when second to Hidden Jewel in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m) at Eagle Farm on April 21.
Story: Neil Archer
Photo: Trackside Photography Pty Ltd