Mercedes Super Bonus Double

This weekend will see the final Mercedes Super Bonus Jackpot for Colts and Geldings. The $50,000 bonus is attached to the Carters James Hardie 2YO 1100m, race 2 at Taranaki this Saturday.

As expected the incentive has attracted many smart horses to the event. This weekend's race sees eight of the twelve runners eligible for the jackpot.

There are several noteworthy entrants traveling to Pukekura Raceway for the race. Sandboy (NZ) (Sandtrap x Trudy's Folly) was sold by Java Lodge for $62,500 at the Select Colts Sale and purchased by current trainer Trevor McKee. The colt has had nearly six weeks away from the track following two wins and a fourth in the Listed ARC Champagne Stakes earlier this year.

Pinprick (NZ) (Pins x Hinewai) was sold by Little Avondale Stud to Paul Moroney Bloodstock for $50,000 at the Select Colts Sale. He has also shown some ability running second and third in his two starts. The colt, trained by the Moroney / Scott partnership will be ridden by Bruce Herd.

On Guard (NZ) (Daggers Drawn x Capriccio) was purchased by current trainers Peter & Nikki Hurdle from Curraghmore Stud for $28,000 at the Select Colts Sale. The colt will be having his first start at the races after winning a trial over 1000m trial at Woodville on the 11th of May.

The Rogerson / Autridge-trained Pin Up Boy (NZ) (Pins x Dare To Win) was purchased by Graeme Rogerson from Delahunty Farms for $65,000 at the Select Colts Sale. The colt has drawn barrier one which depending on the track conditions could prove to be helpful. He ran third at his first outing at Waverley last month.

Sir Slick (NZ) (Volksraad x Miss Opera) is arguably the most experienced colt in the field with seven races under his belt including three at the distance for a second and two thirds. Trainer Graeme Nicholson bought the colt from Mapperley Stud for $48,000 at the Select Colts Sale.

Stark Breeze (NZ) (Stark South x Breeze Along) was purchased by Simon and Katrina Alexander from Leefield Stables for $8,000 in the Festival Sale. The colt, who is trained by Katrina Alexander, ran third in his first start at Cambridge Jockey Club's meeting at Te Rapa last month.

Tuscany Gold (NZ) (Tuscany Flyer x Shining Gold) was purchased by David Ellis for $9,000 from Westbury Stud and is trained by Mark Walker. The gelding has raced twice finishing third in his debut at Counties in March. He also won a recent trial over 900 metres at Matamata. The Festival Sale graduate will be ridden by apprentice Kate Hercock giving him a two kilogram allowance.

The Paul O'Sullivan-trained O'Leary (NZ) (Marju x Tinikadua) rounds out the field. O'Sullivan purchased the colt at the Premier Sale from Bloomsbury Stud for $62,500. He has had two starts, both at Te Rapa, where he finished mid-field on each occasion.

Later in the day at Ellerslie, the Listed Great Northern Foal Stakes has a $10,000 Mercedes Super Bonus up for grabs. Race Six on the card at Auckland has five eligible contenders. The Rogerson / Autridge trained Sharka Zulu (AUS) (Lion Hunter x High Twinkle) has drawn barrier one in the event. The colt, who has had a first and a second in his seven starts, was purchased by Rogerson Bloodstock from Phoenix Park for $48,000 at the Select Colts Sale.

Ambrosine (NZ) (Gold Brose x Tina's Dream) finished second in her first start at Cambridge Jockey Club's meeting at Te Rapa last month. The filly was purchased by the Robert Dawe Agency from Rodmor Stud for $25,000 at the Select Fillies Sale.

Lynisky (NZ) (Stravinsky x Happy Features) will likely go out favourite after her impressive win at Avondale on the 12th of May. The filly is trained by Mark Walker and will be ridden by Noel Harris. She was purchased by David Ellis from Highview Stud at last years Premier Sale for $55,000. In the same race at Avondale Classic Vault (NZ) (Volksraad x Classic Thyme) ran home for third. The Select Fillies Sale graduate was sold by Rich Hil