Demonetization Too Strong in Auckland Guineas

A rain-affected track proved to be no obstacle for exciting three-year-old Demonetization (All Too Hard), who powered to victory in Monday’s $100,000 Group 2 Jamieson Park Auckland Guineas (1600m) at Ellerslie.

The $220,000 Ready to Run Sale purchase made a big impression with wins in both of his first two starts, then a fast-finishing third in the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial (1500m).

Monday’s race was his toughest assignment yet, and when he made the lead with 400 metres to run on a testing Slow7 track, his class and courage were put to the test. But Demonetization rose to the challenge and was far too tough, scoring by a length and a quarter.

“A wet track isn’t ideal, but he’s pretty adaptable,” trainer Nigel Tiley said. “The further they go, the better he’ll be. I’m looking forward to the autumn.”

Demonetization, who is being aimed at the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in early March, has now had four starts for three wins, a third and $86,625 in prizemoney.

He was bred by Peters Investments Pty Ltd and is raced by the N & P Balia Family Trust.

Demonetization made two trips through the Karaka sale ring, fetching $160,000 as a yearling and $220,000 as a two-year-old.