Australian plans for Xtravagant will become clearer after the colt runs at Trentham with trainer Stephen Autridge to be guided by his performance in the Levin Classic.
Xtravagant is the short-priced favourite for Saturday’s 1600m-Group One race for three-year-olds and has been supported to win the Australian Guineas over the same distance and the Australian Derby over 2400m.
The New Zealand Derby in March could also come into play for the much-hyped colt who has won four of his six starts.
In the other Group One race on the program, former Sydney sprinter Sacred Star is the favourite to win the Telegraph Hcp (1200m) for the second time.
But Queensland owner Dick Karreman is hoping his dual Group One winner Recite can upset the favourite and give him a fourth Telegraph win.
Karreman previous wins have been with Keeninsky, Sea Change and Recite’s sire Darci Brahma.
The John Bary-trained Recite has not raced since running last in the Group One Windsor Park Plate in October after which she was found to be in season.
“Her fresh-up record is very good and she’s probably the best-weighted horse in the race,” Rick Williams, manager of Karreman’s Oaks Stud, told nzracing.co.
“The draw (15) is a bit awkward but she’s hardly ever carried 53kg in her life.
“She has had some issues with her joints but she’s very well. Sacred Star is the horse to beat but if she brings her A game, she should be in the first three.”
Premiership leader Lisa Allpress rides Recite while Vinnie Colgan is aboard Sacred Star.
