The 2017 NZB Caulfield Spring WFA Championship is set for an exciting conclusion with the running of the fourth and final leg, the A$1m Group 1 Ladbrokes Caulfield Stakes (2000m) on Saturday.
Hartnell(Authorized) won the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) and finished second in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (2000m), earning 18 points and a position at the top of the table.
With 10 points available to the winner of Saturday's race, the only horse in the field within striking range of Hartnell is the star Kiwi mareBonneval(NZ) (Makfi) on 10. Bought at the 2015 Premier Sale at Karaka for $150,000, she has won six Group races in a row including the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks, Australian Oaks and Underwood Stakes.
Adding significant interest to Saturday's race is the influx of the European raiders. Aidan O'Brien will be represented byJohannes Vermeer(Galileo) andThe Taj Mahal(Galileo), while Willie Mullins will line upRiven Light(Raven's Pass).
The Ladbrokes Stakes will be run as Race 7 with a start time of 3.50pm (5.50pm NZT).
NZB Release