One of the country's leading stables is aiming
for multiple representation in all three legs of the Triple Crown series at
Hastings.
Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have Mime and the Australian recruit Our
Vergara on target for the opening two legs - the Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes
and the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate - with Saint Emilion a chance to join them in
the closing event, the Gr.1 Livamol Spring Classic.
Mime will be a notable first New Zealand race day representative for the
powerful China Horse Club, who purchased the Mastercraftsman mare earlier this
year.
"We think she can be competitive in all three races," said Andrew Forsman, who
prepares the four-year-old with Murray Baker.
Mime, who placed in her 1000 metre heat at the recent Te Teko trials, enjoyed a
lucrative three-year-old season with four wins, including the Gr.2 Sir Tristram
Fillies' Classic and the Gr.3 Sunline Vase and was spelled after she ran fourth
in the Gr.1 NZ Oaks.
"It was a good solid effort at the trials and she had a good blow," Forsman
said. "She's grown quite a bit and strengthened."
Our Vergara won eight races from Anthony Cummings' stable and, following her
purchase by Blue Gum Farm and T. J. S. Bloodstock, she ran third in one
appearance for Gerald Ryan.
The Snippetson mare, who ran a tidy fourth in a 1000 metre heat at the Te Teko
trials, has been sent to New Zealand to chase Group One honours and to be
served by Tavistock.
"She's got a great temperament and takes everything in her stride," Forsman
said.
Meanwhile, Saint Emilion has risen to a rating of 99 after winning seven races
last season and he has returned in fine order following a deserved break.
"He's had his first serious gallop and he's making good progress," Forsman
said. – NZ Racing Desk.