Co-trainer Jamie Richards is confident that Gingernuts is in for a fruitful 2017 Caulfield Cup campaign following a pleasing first-up run in New Zealand over the weekend.

Gingernuts remains on track for an appearance in this year's Caulfield Cup. Photo: Steve Hart

Gingernuts remains on track for an appearance in this year’s Caulfield Cup. Photo: Steve Hart

A noted stayer and multiple Group 1 winner in races at 2000m and beyond, Gingernuts was not expected to do much when he took his position in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) on Saturday, but mustered an impressive turn of foot to run on from the rear of the field and finish fifth behind Close Up.

Richards told the New Zealand Racing Desk that he was pleased with Gingernuts’ first-up run in the Tarzino Trophy and is pleased with the horse’s condition following the hit-out.

“The slow track helped him and brought him into the race,” Richards said.

“He had trialled well at Taupo and his work since then had been good.

“He pulled up well after Hastings and I rode him myself this morning (Monday). He’s a very happy horse.

“He’ll run in the Windsor Park Plate at Hawke’s Bay next and then we’ll have a round table discussion to confirm our next move.”

Gingernuts immediately stamped himself as a horse to follow when debuting for strong results amongst notable company during the autumn of 2016, but undoubtedly stepped in class and quality through his summer and autumn campaign this year.

Resuming on New Year’s Eve for a credible fourth in a 1200m race at Stratford, Gingernuts failed to fire at his next start, but responded with a three-length win in the Nicholson Autos BM65 (1600m) on January 30th, before making a successful transition to black type company with a dominant win in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m).

Storming home to win the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) on March 4th, the Iffraaj gelding announced himself to the Australian racing fraternity with a dominant win in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m), before placing fifth in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m).

Gingernuts is currently available at early 2017 Caulfield Cup odds of $14 at Ladbrokes.com.au.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.