Mercedes Super Bonus Provides Potentially Lucrative 2yo Race At Wairoa
21 January 2003
Five of the ten horse field are eligible to win the Mercedes Super Bonus and in a relatively inexperienced field the bonus runner Snipight (Snippets x Spectacular Light) looks to be the standout horse in terms of form and experience. The Mark Walker trained Snipight has recorded two solid second placings from three starts in stronger company.
The majority of the remaining qualified runners are on debut, with perhaps the trials placed Stonecrest (Soviet Star x Love in Roses) the next best chance to take the bonus. Khan (Al Akbar x Barbara's Bay), Shock Wave (Mellifont x Virtual) and the unplaced Dee Bee Magic (Magic of Sydney x Te Akau Omen) round out the Mercedes Bonus contingent.
Of the non-bonus runners, the Grant Laursen trained Beeb (Exploding Prospect x Du Marquis) looks to be the main challenger, with Laursen looking to uphold his fine record with the progeny of Exploding Prospect. Beeb ran fourth on debut and placed in a recent trial. Balalaika (Slavic x Dellewood) and Soup Ladle (Classic Fame x Kitchan) have also both placed at the trials, while Forrest (Gold Brose x Eliza) and Generous Touch (Germano x Our Taralee) are an unknown quantity.
All graduates of the up-coming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, which commences on the evening of Monday January 27 at Karaka, are eligible to be in enrolled in the Mercedes Super Bonus Series. Enrolled horses have the chance to compete for a share of $1.4 million dollars worth of Mercedes Bonuses throughout their 2YO and 3YO seasons. The highlight of the series is the fast approaching $500,000 Mercedes Classique, which will be run at Te Rapa on February 1.
For more information on the Mercedes Super Bonus Series please contact Guy Mulcaster or Nikki Reed at New Zealand Bloodstock on (09) 298 0055 or email guy@nzb.co.nz or nikki@nzb.co.nz.