Australian Guineas 2016: Xtravagant To Arrive In Australia Tomorrow

Xtravagant remains on top of 2016 Australian Guineas betting markets and he will make the trip from New Zealand to his temporary stable at Flemington tomorrow.

Xtravagant will take on the likes of Palentino and Tivaci in the 2016 Australian Guineas at Flemington this weekend. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos

Xtravagant will take on the likes of Palentino and Tivaci in the 2016 Australian Guineas at Flemington this weekend. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos

Xtravagant stamped himself as one of the most exciting horses in New Zealand when he recorded a dominant eight and a half lengths win in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton Park in November last and from that point he was set for an Australian Guineas tilt.

The talented colt returned to racing with a win in The New Zealand Herald Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, but he suffered a shock defeat in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham on January 16, which placed his Australian Guineas campaign in jeopardy.

Xtravagant returned to his best form with another dominant victory in the Group 1 NRM Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on February 13 and he went straight back to the top of Australian Guineas betting markets.

Trainer Stephen Autridge told Racing Active this morning that Xtravagant had come through his NRM Sprint victory in excellent condition and he confirmed that the son of Pentire would make the trip to Melbourne tomorrow ahead of the 2016 Australian Guineas on Saturday.

“He is getting picked up at 12 o’clock tomorrow our time and he is meant to be at his new stable by half past seven our time tomorrow,” Autridge said.

“He had one this morning on the course proper and he doesn’t have to do much more for the rest of the week.

“I am very happy with him.

“We look sure to getting over there and we hope that he runs well.”

Xtravagant has also been included in the nominations for the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) and Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) and Autridge confirmed that the three-year-old could take on the older horses in the Australian Cup a week later if he performs well in the Australian Guineas.

“We have a question mark there with the chance of backing up in the Australian Cup,” Autridge said.

“It is a pretty quick back-up, so we won’t be making any rash statements too soon.”

Xtravagant is currently available at 2016 Australian Guineas odds of $3.60 with Ladbrokes and he is favourite from Darren Weir-trained Palentino ($5), consistent winner Mahuta ($7.50), Victoria Derby winner Tarzino ($7.50), Western Australian filly Perfect Reflection ($9), CS Hayes Stakes winner Tivaci ($10) and talented filly Risque ($13).

About The Author

Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.