Racing
Top Kiwi filly Autumn Glory goes to new Australian trainer
Champion New Zealand trainer Roger James has revealed his top filly Autumn Glory has been transferred out of his stables to continue her race career in Australia.
Autumn Glory, winner of the Group 2 Waikato Guineas and runner-up in successive Group 1 classics, the NZ Oaks to Ohope Wins and last Saturday's NZ Derby behind stablemate Road To Paris, will join the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stables.
"I got a call from Mick Price at 5am your time to tell me Autumn Glory will be going to his stables. These things happen in racing.''
Autumn Glory, owned by Yulong, has won two of her five starts in an impressive debut preparation that includes her second placings in New Zealand's Oaks and Derby.
Price confirmed Autumn Glory has come into his care with a likelihood the filly will be set for the Group 1 $1 million ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) at Royal Randwick on April 11.
"She holds an entry for the Oaks at Randwick and we hope to get another run out of her.''
Meanwhile, James hasn't ruled out bringing New Zealand Derby winner Road To Paris to Sydney for the Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick on April 4.
James said Road To Paris is owned by Queensland interests and is also considering aiming the young stayer at the Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm later in the season.
"We are tossing up which way we go with Road To Paris, the owner is very open about it and he said just do what is right for the horse.
"I will see how Road To Paris comes through his NZ Derby win and then consider our options.''
James, who trains in partnership with Robert Wellwood, prepared three winners at Ellerslie's Super Saturday meeting including promising sprinter Sweynesday in the Group 3 King's Plate.
Sweynesday was almost "gifted" the race when Alabama Lass crashed into the inside running rail about 100m out when seemingly set for victory.
"We might look to take Sweynesday to Brisbane for the Stradbroke Handicap in June,'' James added.
