Kingman NZ winning the NZ Cup Photo by hrnz
A PLETHORA of Australian stars head the nominations for two biggest races at the iconic NZ Cup Week.
But as expected, champion mare Captains Mistress isn’t amongst them.
Leap To Fame headlines six pacers nominated for the $NZ800,000 NZ Cup on November 11.
Despite Captains Mistress’ absence, her trainer Jason Grimson still has three nominations in Swayzee, Minos and Rakero Rocket.
Swayzee, already a dual winner of the NZ Cup in 2023 and ’24, is nearing a racetrack return after being sidelined with tying-up issues.
“He’s had three fast workouts and is coming along well,” driver Cam Hart said. “I’d love to see him get back for another NZ Cup.”
Rakero Rocket will trial at Menangle on Wednesday as he prepares for a return to racing.
While Minos has been freshened up after a fantastic Brisbane Inter Dominion series.
Defending champion Kingman, who is also close to resuming, and Queensland star The Janitor are the other Aussie nominations.
While Kingman is a definite, trainer Chantal Turpin said The Janitor was only a maybe.
In trotting ranks, champion mare Keayang Zahara and recently crowned Inter Dominion champion Gus are the biggest names nominated for the $NZ500,000 Group 1 Dominion Trot on the same day as the NZ Cup.
Keayang Zahara will trial at Terang next week as she prepares for the Bill Collins Sprint on October 17.
Gus has enjoyed a break since his July 18 Inter Dominion victory, but is being set to defend the Dominion title he won so brilliantly last year.
Keayang Zahara’s stablemate Jilliby Dreamlover, Chris Svanosio pair Gotfeelingsyouknow and Lovemeto, and David Miles’ wonderful mare Rockinwithattitude round out the Aussie-trained Dominion nominations.
FULL NOMINATIONS: https://www.hrnz.co.nz/assets/Nominations-2026-v2.pdf
PHOTO: HRNZ/Race Images NZ
