Marketplace NZ
THE Kiwis are coming … it’s just a matter of how many.
Of New Zealand’s four most exciting pacers, three are a chance of chasing some Queensland winter riches.
The connections of Marketplace, Jumal and The Lazarus Effect are all at least considering a trip across the ditch.
The only definite no of the country’s “new brigade” of stars is last night’s dazzling Group 1 Roy Purdon Memorial winner, Got The Chocolates.
His trainer-driver John Dunn confirmed the four-year-old tackle next Friday night’s Group 1 Messenger at Alexandra Park and then have a break with a view to the NZ Cup in November.
But it’s a different story with his arch-rival Marketplace.
Trainer Regan Todd said another win at Addington next Friday would make a tilt at the $350,000 Group 1 Rising Sun at Albion Park on July 4 a very attractive option.
Bob Butt’s five-year-old The Lazarus Effect, who ran a close second to Got The Chocolates last night, has been nominated for the Brisbane Inter Dominion.
“It’s more unlikely than likely, but we’ll make a final decision after the Messenger,” he said.
The exciting twist from last night was Steven Reid’s comments around Northern Derby winner Jumal.
“We’re looking at Queensland, maybe for the Rising Sun and the Derby,” he told Campbell's Comments.
“He’s got the Sires’ final on May 22 and we’ll make a decision one way or another after that.
“Looking down the track at a stallion career, it’s important to show how good he is to the Australians.
“I missed the NSW Derby, so it makes Queensland a real option.
“I was going to give him a good break after the Sires’, but I could make it a shorter one instead and go to Queensland.”
When Racing Queensland and Albion Park invested heavily in its “Constellations” winter timeslot, a key target was attracting NZ’s best to compete.
The presence of Marketplace and Jumal, maybe even The Lazarus Effect too, would thrill them and harness fans.
PHOTO: HRNZ/Race Images NZ
