New Zealand
Quality 3YO gets chance to fulfil his distance destiny
Aksil had connections in two minds early on before time revealed the exciting three-year-old’s propensity to stay.
The son of Ace High will have the opportunity to star in that role at Ellerslie on Saturday when he tackles a middle distance for the first time in the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m).
A strong effort will lock in a return for a crack at the ultimate age group staying test, the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) on March 7.
"We thought he may have been a Karaka Millions horse over a mile, but the more we did with him the more we realised that probably wasn't his go," said Katrina Alexander, who trains the gelding with husband Simon.
"He's just needed a little bit of extra time to furnish and learn how to race, he certainly now looks the type of horse that needs this distance."
Aksil has collected a brace of wins and a placing from his four appearances and has progressed well since his most recent victory on the track over 1600m.
"Last time at Ellerslie, he pulled up well and didn't blow out a match. He wasn't fazed at all and he's trained on well, I don't have a worry about the extra distance," Alexander said.
"As he has grown and developed, he's showed in the way he races that he wants to relax nicely and has that turn of foot when needed."
As a son of a Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) winner and the Savabeel mare Savasong, who was successful up to (2100m), he certainly has the pedigree to be a headline staying act.
That possibility was acted on by OTI Racing when they bought into Aksil at the end of last year.
Alexander also has her fingers crossed that stablemate Astarte will gain a start in the Myracehorse Handicap (2200m).
The Sacred Falls mare posted consecutive runner-up finishes before the five-year-old broke through over 2100m at Tauranga.
"She's four on the ballot unfortunately, but her form is super and she is working extra well," she said.
"It's a bit frustrating and we're really hoping she gets a run, if she doesn't then she might have a freshen up."
The stable also has high hopes at Taupo on Sunday for Cambridge Stud's Rioja, an acceptor for both the Property Brokers – Tokoroa Maiden (1100m) and the Giltrap Agrizone – Taupo (1200m).
"I think she is well up to three-year-old company, but to be sensible we're probably leaning toward the maiden," Alexander said.
"The open three-year-old is a sharp field and if she'd had a run under her belt then I wouldn't had any queries, especially as she had drawn one.
"Cambridge Stud have got their other horse (Lucy In The Sky) in that, so the maiden is the sensible way, but we've left her in the other one in case the field really drops away."
By Almanzor, Rioja was put aside after finishing third in her spring debut and recently won an 800m heat at Ellerslie.
"She trialled early on against some nice sorts like Geneva and she's got a ton of speed, but she is a very economical galloper with a lot of upside," Alexander said.
"In her work, you'd swear she wanted to stay so it will be interesting to see how she develops. She's built like a sprinter, but I wouldn't be surprised if she gets a bit further.
"She's a joy to train, she loves her work and is a filly with a ton of character."
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