Talented Volkstok’n’barrell is ready to break a long drought for New Zealand in the Group One Doomben Cup.
Volkstok’n’barrell was having his first start since being well beaten in the Doncaster Mile when he came from near the tail of the field to finish third in the Group Two Hollindale Cup two weeks ago.
New Zealand-trained horses have won the Doomben Cup five times since it became a weight-for-age race in 1990, starting with Rough Habit’s three-peat from 1991 to 1993.
But the last New Zealand-trained galloper to win the Cup was King Keitel in 2001.
“We are overdue, trainer Donna Logan said.
Ruakaka-based trainer Donna Logan was in Brisbane this week to supervise Volkstok’n’barrell and liked what she saw at trackwork ahead of Saturday’s race.
“He really needed the hit out in the Hollindale. Volkstok’n’barrell got well back and had to make a long sweeping run,” Logan said.
“The month between runs told at the end but I was very happy with the effort. In fact I was stoked.
Volkstok’n’barrell has bloomed since the Hollindale and Logan will be disappointed if her stable star doesn’t race well.
“He is spot on. He has really tightened up and the track should suit him,” Logan said.
Volkstok’n’barrell drew ideally in barrier five and Logan hopes he will be closer to the speed than he was in the Hollindale Cup.
Logan and her training partner Chris Gibbs also have Melbourne spring Cups in mind for Volkstok’n’barrell who is by boom staying sire Tavistock.
The 2015 Rosehill Guineas winner, Volkstok’n’barrell hasn’t won past 2000m but was placed in the 2015 ATC Australian Derby and New Zealand Derby at 2400m.
Volkstok’n’barrell’s jockey Blake Shinn will be aiming for two wins in the Cup in three years after combining with Streama in 2014.
Godolphin pair Hauraki ($3.60) and It’s Somewhat ($4.50) head Doomben Cup markets with Volkstok’n’barrell on the third line of betting at $6.
