“I’ll get in toward the end of the week and catch up with a few horses we’ve got in training in New Zealand, then [attend] the races on Saturday and the awards,” Rolston said.
“Obviously, we’ve got Well Written in the Group 1 and with any luck, we might receive an award at the NZTR function on Sunday. I’m hoping it’s a good weekend for the green and white.”
Flagship performer Well Written was a trial winner at Taupō ahead of her return and all signs since have been positive.
“I talk to Stephen regularly and his stable comms are exceptional,” Rolston said.
“He’s given the mare really good reports all the way through, so it’s been a seamless sort of delivery into the Group 1, Stephen is certainly happy and the stablemate has been a bit under the radar too.”
He was referring to the Yulong-raced Media World, who gave a strong account of himself when runner-up in the Group 2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) in his New Zealand debut.
“He ran great in the Foxbridge, I don’t think he’s good enough to beat her [Well Written], but he can be right in the finish,” Rolston said.
“We’ve got two live chances and obviously there will be a sentimental favourite in Alabama Lass, I think all of New Zealand will be cheering her home for Ken and the late Bev Kelso.”
The Proisir Plate will likely be Well Written’s sole start in New Zealand this spring, with trainer Stephen Marsh indicating she will head across the Tasman to target either the Listed Silver Eagle (1300m) or Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) before progressing to her main assignment, the A$10 million Group 1 Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31.
Rolston also provided updates on other Yulong-owned former New Zealand gallopers Ohope Wins and Autumn Glory.
The former won the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) for Wexford Stables before relocating to Chris Waller’s operation to claim the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m).
She was unplaced in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) when opening her spring campaign.
“Ohope Wins had a good blow-out and has trained on nicely since, she’s likely to be stepping out next in the Makybe Diva [Group 1, 1600m],” Rolston said.
“Autumn Glory is not going to be presented in the spring, she had a delay with her preparation and is currently spelling.”
She won the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) before finishing second in both the New Zealand Oaks and Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) for Roger James and Robert Wellwood and transferring to Mick Price and Michael Kent jnr.
– LOVERACING.NZ News Desk