Orchestral Horse in Ellerslie Return During Race Conditions

Co-trainer Roger James described Orchestral Horse’s performance as disappointing but not concerning after the accomplished mare finished last in a four-horse race at Ellerslie. The unexpected result comes less than two weeks before one of her biggest challenges of the season, the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic during Karaka Millions night on January 25.

A farcically slow tempo over 1400m posed significant challenges for Orchestral Horse, who carried a hefty 60kg. Settling last while the field moved along at a crawl, she attempted to close the gap on the home stretch but lacked the sharpness to match the leaders. Despite her characteristic surge at the 200m, the pace of the final 600m clocked at just over 33 seconds left her unable to contest the finish.

While acknowledging his disappointment, James remains optimistic about Orchestral Horse’s preparation for upcoming races. “This was a starting point,” he explained. “The tempo didn’t suit her, and with 60kg it was always going to be difficult. But Craig [Grylls, jockey] mentioned the strongest part of her run came at the line and beyond it.”

James believes the race will serve as a valuable stepping stone for the four-year-old. “We have two weeks to have her ready for the mile. This run should bring her forward, and I think she’ll be sharp enough when it matters.”

Despite Orchestral Horse’s struggles, her talent remains clear. However, this lackluster performance provides a glimmer of hope to rival trainers preparing their contenders for the Aotearoa Classic.

While Orchestral Horse faced challenges, other runners displayed strong form during the meeting, which offered insights into the upcoming Karaka Millions and horse racing Champions Day on March 8.

To Bravery Born secured a commanding victory in the juvenile race, positioning himself as the $4 equal favorite for the Karaka Millions. His impressive run has made him a leading contender for the prestigious event.

In the three-year-old category, Sought After and Checkmate claimed wins for the O’Sullivan/Scott stable. Sought After became the first to secure a spot in the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi on horse racing Champions Day, while Checkmate will now take a different route toward the NZ Derby.

Trainer Andrew Forsman delivered another notable performance with Mustang Morgan, who claimed victory in the Gingernuts Salver over 2100m. The race marked a key milestone in Mustang Morgan’s progression, as the maiden appreciated the step up in distance, narrowly defeating Golden Century by a small margin. The win demonstrated the horse’s stamina and readiness for future staying contests, solidifying his place as a Derby prospect.

Forsman’s expertise in preparing contenders for New Zealand Horse Racing’s premier staying events was once again evident. His knack for guiding young stayers through crucial distance transitions continues to make him a dominant figure in Derby preparations.

The trainer confirmed Mustang Morgan would likely target further distance events as part of his Derby campaign. “This was an encouraging step forward for the horse, and it puts him in a good position for the classics coming up,” Forsman shared post-race.

The victory adds Mustang Morgan to a growing list of Forsman’s successful Derby hopefuls, reinforcing the trainer’s strong presence in the upcoming competition.

Hinekaha made an impression with a strong finish behind Checkmate in the three-year-old 1500m race, signaling her ability to compete against top opposition. Mustang Morgan’s victory further solidified Forsman’s position as a significant player in this year’s Derby competition.

The Ellerslie meeting provided a glimpse of emerging talent while reigniting questions about Orchestral Horse’s current form. With two major events approaching, the stage is set for fierce competition among proven horse racing champions and rising stars alike.

Whether Orchestral Horse can recapture the brilliance of her past performances remains to be seen, but the upcoming races promise an exciting chapter in New Zealand Horse Racing season.