Hauraki to be Set for 2017 Doncaster Mile

Group 1 winner Hauraki is reportedly in fine shape ahead of a 2017 Autumn Carnival campaign that will be geared towards the Doncaster Mile (1600m) on Day 1 of The Championships.

Hauraki will be set for an appearance in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile during The Championships. Photo: Steve Hart

Hauraki will be set for an appearance in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile during The Championships. Photo: Steve Hart

Hauraki has been a strong and consistent performer for Godolphin throughout his entire racing career, but was unlucky to finish in the minors amongst Group 1 company five times before finally breaking through for a maiden win at the highest level via a barnstorming performance in the Epsom Handicap in spring.

Managing Director for Godolphin Australia, Henry Plumptre told Racing Ahead that it was a big thrill for the team when the Reset gelding posted his first Group 1 triumph and that a similar target; the Doncaster Mile 2017 has been set for his autumn campaign.

“He’s had a good time out in the paddock,” Plumptre said.

“If you line them up against each other, we’d probably say that Hartnell probably shades Hauraki but it was great in the spring that he shook off that Group 1 bridesmaid tag, it would good to get the Epsom away.

“I thought he really franked that form with his run in the Emirates. That was a terrific run and it just showed he’s a genuine Group 1 horse.

“I think John (O’Shea) will probably be leaning towards a Doncaster with him. I’m not sure what weight he’d get, but I think we’d be leaning towards that.

“I think we feel that he’s probably a mile is his best trip.”

Hauraki made his debut as a three-year-old in late 2014 and stamped himself as a horse to follow throughout a glittering 2015 Autumn Carnival campaign which resulted in a smart win in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) and second behind Mongolian Khan in the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m).

Finishing in the minors in each of the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) most notably in autumn and winter last year, Hauraki stormed home to win the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) first-up in spring.

Running on for second behind Winx in the Group 1 George Moore Stakes (1600m) leading into his Epsom Handicap triumph, the gelding out of Youthful Presence failed to handle the conditions when eighth in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), but was last seen running on well for second in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (2000m) on November 5th.

Hauraki is currently available at early 2017 Doncaster Mile odds of $10 with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.

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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.