Cole keeps options open as Landlock targets Guineas

Trainer Cody Cole is weighing his next move with promising three-year-old Landlock as wet conditions threaten to disrupt plans for the $175,000 Timberspan Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Landlock heads the ratings for the feature event and brings strong credentials from his juvenile season. The Merchant Navy gelding went within a neck of Group 1 glory in the Sistema Stakes (1200m) when narrowly beaten by Return To Conquer. He also claimed a placing in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), confirming his ability to match some of the country’s best youngsters.

Now a stronger and more seasoned three-year-old, Landlock resumed earlier this month in the Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m). Despite finishing fourth, the run was full of merit, with Cole pleased by the effort after an interrupted passage in the home straight.

“It was a good effort; he didn’t really get a chance to get out and go through his gears to build momentum,” Cole said. “He was coming off heels at the 200 and had to pick himself up, which I thought he did really well, especially with the way the race was run. It was hard for them to make ground.”

Cole viewed the outing as an ideal starting point for the new campaign. “It was a good kickoff point. He raced like he was looking for a little bit further, and his manners were good, so he’s only going to be better for that run as a first good blowout,” he said.

While the Hawke’s Bay Guineas is the logical next step, persistent rain could force a change of plans. Cole remains cautious about committing to the Te Rapa track if the surface becomes too testing.

“My biggest concern is the track at the moment,” he said. “If it did get to the really testing, heavy going, we’d be looking at other options.”

Cole has prepared Landlock to handle a range of conditions but is mindful of preserving the gelding’s confidence early in the spring. With several other feature races still to come this campaign, the trainer is not willing to take unnecessary risks on a bottomless surface.

The Matamata horseman will not be short of representation at the Te Rapa meeting should Landlock be withdrawn. Cole has nominated four other runners, including the talented mare Astoria Brooke, who has also attracted attention in the build-up.

Astoria Brooke signaled her readiness with a strong trial performance at Ellerslie two weeks ago, finishing second behind stakes winner Glamour Tycoon. Cole said the American Pharaoh mare had taken improvement from that outing and was progressing well.

“It was a super trial. She was a touch short of fitness and came to the end of her run inside the 100, but we expected that. It was just a nice hit-out for her and she did it effortlessly,” he said. “She’s only gone forward since then.”

Astoria Brooke ended her previous preparation with consecutive wins on rain-affected tracks, a factor that could work in her favour if conditions remain wet. Cole, however, will consult with her owner-breeders, Brent and Cherry Taylor, before confirming her place in the St John’s College Foundation 1400.

“I have to speak to Brent and Cherry Taylor. We will make that call together,” he said. “But based on the way she has been working on outgoing, I would say yes [to starting].”

Cole’s measured approach reflects a broader strategy for his team this spring. While the Hawke’s Bay Guineas remains the preferred assignment for Landlock, alternative targets are being considered should weather intervene. The stable’s immediate priority is to place each horse where they can perform at their best without compromising their long-term campaigns.

Landlock’s combination of class and resilience has made him one of the most closely watched three-year-olds of the season. Whether he lines up at Te Rapa or waits for a different opportunity, Cole’s patience and planning suggest the gelding will be ready to produce a strong performance when conditions suit.

For now, the focus remains on track conditions and the final call on race day. With a talented team ready to compete, Cole heads into the weekend prepared to adjust plans as needed while keeping confidence in the quality of his runners.