The $4 million NZB Kiwi returns to Ellerslie on Saturday for just its second running, and the race has already taken on blockbuster status in the New Zealand racing calendar.
This year’s edition revolves around one horse. Well Written has been utterly dominant throughout her three-year-old campaign and arrives as a commanding favourite after breathtaking victories in the Karaka Millions 3YO and 1000 Guineas.
But races worth $4 million are rarely handed out easily. A deep supporting cast featuring the likes of Belle Cheval, La Dorada and Australian raider Asakura will be hoping the favourite leaves the door ajar.
With the final field now confirmed, here is the runner-by-runner guide to all 14 starters and four emergencies.
(1) Romanoff ($81)
Handy Belardo gelding who won the 2000 Guineas last year, but that came on heavy going and a career racing in plates is not a positive indicator that he will handle the likely good track. Not sure he has come back from a let-up particularly well either. Pass.
(2) To Bravery Born ($81)
The Walker-Bergerson combination have four, and possibly five, runners in the NZB Kiwi and this Snitzel-bred gelding looks the least likely. He has just a single placing from six starts in black-type company.
(3) Well Written ($1.20)
Stephen Marsh has a superstar on his hands with this unbeaten Written Tycoon filly who has swept all before her. Her six-length win in the Karaka Millions 3YO was utterly breathtaking. She won the 1000 Guineas in equally dominant fashion and has drawn perfectly. Hard to see them getting close to her.
WATCH: Well Written win the Karaka Millions 3YO
(4) Affirmative Action ($23)
Pam Gerard-trained gelding who was very poor in the Karaka 3YO. There were excuses as he was eased down after a torrid run and was subsequently found to be ill, going on a course of antibiotics. Not an ideal preparation for a race of this quality. Big no.
(5) La Dorada ($14)
A nation will be roaring if The People’s Horse looks any kind of hope in the straight. She was fantastic winning the Group 2 Levin Classic two starts back before placing in the Karaka Millions 3YO. She has a terrific record and a nice draw. Plenty of class and a must for exotics.
(6) Asakura ($18)
There is little Australia would enjoy more than winning the NZB Kiwi and this is the best and only hope for the trans-Tasman raiders. Mitchell Freedman trains and Dean Yendall comes across for the ride and he is a live runner. He was excellent in the C.S. Hayes Stakes last start and the stable are not over for a haircut. Top blowout hope.
WATCH: Asakura run second in the CS Hayes Stakes
(7) Zivou ($81)
Few trainers prepare them better for big races than Roger James, but this gelding looks up against it. He had excuses last start when posted three wide without cover and prior to that was a dominant winner, but he doesn’t appear to have the upside to steal this, even from the inside draw.
(8) He Who Dares ($23)
Only one horse has beaten this colt in his past two starts and that galloper is Well Written, but this Te Akau colt looks unlikely to turn the tables. Opie Bosson sticks, but he has drawn wide and there have been no real excuses in those last two defeats.
(9) Panther ($23)
Exciting Ace High gelding who has finished in the quinella in all four career starts. He stepped up to black-type company with aplomb when beaten only a long neck by Belle Cheval last start. Love the draw and he looks right in the battle for second.
(10) L’Aigle Noir ($61)
Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have taken this sprinter-type along steadily. He only broke his maiden in November and has been well beaten by Belle Cheval in each of his last two starts. Hard to see the scope for improvement required.
(11) Belle Cheval ($10)
Exciting Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson filly who deserves second favouritism behind Well Written. She is airborne with a 1.24-length Group 3 win before beating a good portion of this field at Group 3 level at Ellerslie last start. No spoil the price but must be included in multiples.
(12) War Princess ($81)
The daughter of Navy Flag has built an impressive résumé with five wins from 10 starts, including a Group 3 victory two starts back. She handles all conditions and stuck on nicely after pinging the lids last start. She won’t be turning the tables on the favourite but could run into a placing at odds.
(13) Lollapalooza ($41)
Handy filly the market may have underrated here. She may not be up to Well Written but she can certainly run a race. Her only win came in Group 3 company last September. She was desperately unlucky two starts back when clipping heels and overracing, still finishing second, before getting too far back last start. Value each-way proposition.
(14) Convinced ($126)
Super Seth filly who looks out of her depth in the NZB Kiwi. She won on debut in maiden grade but when stepping up to Group 3 level she was well beaten by five rivals who re-oppose here, including Belle Cheval. Not up to it.
Emergencies
(15) Tomahawk ($151)
First emergency. Disappointed in Benchmark 65 grade last start when in the market but well beaten. Looks to have too much against him.
(16) Bolli Belle ($81)
Second emergency. Te Akau filly who has won both of her starts. She cruised to a comfortable win last start at Matamata. This is a huge rise in grade but she would be included in exotics if she gains a start.
(17) Burnerphone ($151)
Third emergency. The Benjamin King filly started to show something once stretched to a mile. If she does gain a run she will be back in trip, which may not help. Unlikely to gain a start.
(18) Laura’s Legacy ($201)
Fourth emergency. This Ocean Park filly’s only win came in maiden grade and she comes off a well-beaten 10th when out of the market last start. One for connections only.
