By Heather Anderson
A winner of the 2015 G1 Captain Cook S., Julinsky Prince (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) aims for a title defense in this year's edition for trainer Fraser Auret, who will also send out the up-and-coming mare Aide Memoire (NZ) (Remind). Also victorious at the highest level in the 2015 Windsor Park Plate, Julinsky Prince (NZ) warmed up for this 1600-metre test with a third-place effort in the G2 Tauranga S. behind MG1SP Abidewithme (NZ) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}) and G1SP El Pescado (NZ) (El Hermano {NZ}) at Tauranga Nov. 12 after two unplaced runs this season at Hastings in the G1 Windsor Park Horlicks Plate Sept. 17 and the G1 Livamol Ormond Memorial S. Oct. 1.
“The key to this horse is that he loves to race on the fresh side and we went to Tauranga this time knowing there was a twist to come in terms of his fitness,” Auret told Racing and Sports. “I think he raced incredibly well [in the Tauranga S.], he's just such a genuine horse and he has tightened up nicely for the Captain Cook.”
Of his listed winner Aide Memoire, who enters on the back of a nose defeat going 1400 metres at Tauranga Nov. 12, Auret added, “I thought she was fantastic after she was caught wide. She's a little bit more complicated and she doesn't like tracks that are too firm.”
GSW Slice of Class (NZ) (Guillotine {NZ}) appears poised for a big effort, after running second in a pair of 1400-metre contests–the G3 Rich Hill Stud Breeders S. at Hawera Oct. 8 and dropping a spot last out in the G2 NRM Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders S. at Pukekohe Nov. 19.
Volkstok'n'barrell (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) is looking to redeem himself after scooping three Group 1 wins earlier in his career, including the G1 Bonecrusher New Zealand S. at Ellerslie five starts back, but has been winless since. The gelding, who has yet to make his seasonal bow, enters on the back of a third in a barrier trial going 1200 metres at Te Aroha Oct. 27.
Challengers looking for their first Group 1 title include: 2015 G1 Sothys 43rd New Zealand 2000 Guineas runner-up and MG1SP Battle Time (NZ) (Battle Paint), who defeated GSW Ringo (NZ) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the G2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile at Riccarton Park Nov. 9, with dual Group 1 winner Nashville (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) third that day. The last mentioned filled the same spot in a 1400-metre handicap at Riccarton when last seen Nov. 12. The consistent Bel Sorriso (NZ) (Keeper {Aus}) is another who could step up, and she won the G3 Thompson H. with Big Dreamer (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}) third and MG1SP Authentic Paddy (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit) fifth Oct. 22.
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