A
sparkling run for second in his final dress rehearsal has promising
three-year-old Scott Base primed and ready for a big effort in the Group I Al
Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
The Dalghar (Fr) gelding was seen putting in some telling strides as he chased home
fellow 2000 Guineas contender Ever Loyal in the Gr.3 Zacinto Stakes (1600m) at
Riccarton last month, a performance that has co-trainer Johnno Benner looking
forward to his charge going one better in Saturday's classic contest.
"He has always appealed as a real stayer and that last run was very pleasing as
he ran through the line very strongly," he said.
"It was just what we wanted to see leading into the Guineas and his work since
then has been very good.
"Saturday will be his fourth start in this campaign, so he is on the way up and
goes into the race at peak condition."
Despite the long-range forecast indicating some rain is on the way for
Christchurch, Benner and partner Hollie Wynyard aren't worried should a wet
track eventuate for the race.
"He goes in all ground although he probably wants it dry," he said.
"In saying that he won his maiden on a heavy surface so if it does rain he
should be able to cope. It might actually slow a few of his rivals down but
either way we won't be worried about what ground we strike on Saturday."
Whilst Saturday's contest will be the final race in his current campaign Benner
is excited about the three-year-old's prospects later in the season.
"I think he is a real Derby horse, so he will go to the paddock after Saturday
for a breather before we look at the options available to get him to
Ellerslie," he said.
"A race like the Karaka Mile is a nice option so we will look at that and then see
where we go from there."
Benner also admitted he will be watching Tuesday's Melbourne Cup with plenty of
interest having prepared one of the race favourites in Humidor during his New
Zealand career.
"I've always thought he was a true two-miler, so it is a little surprising to
hear some of the pundits questioning his staying ability," he said.
"Darren Weir and his team have done a wonderful job with him and I think he
will be right in contention." – NZ Racing Desk .