Emotions will run high at Te Rapa if All Too Hard’s specialist short course performer Babylon Berlin can finally break through at the highest level.
The multiple top-flight placegetter will chase a deserved victory in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) on Saturday with the Ben and Ryan Foote-trained mare to jump from a handy enough barrier in gate six.
Stablemate Myakkabelle will also be in action at the meeting when she pursues a maiden black-type victory in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) on her way to a higher goal.
Babylon Berlin has an excellent conversion rate of 10 win from 33 starts, including four victories at Group Three level and three Listed events.
She has gone close to an elusive Group One on several occasions with placings in the Railway Stakes (1200m) and Telegraph (1200m) and finished runner-up behind Imperatriz in the BCD two years ago.
Two starts back, Babylon Berlin was too good for Waitaki and Crocetti in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m) in early December and following a pair of trials finished fourth in the Gr.1 Railway (1200m).
“It was six weeks between runs and it always takes a toll on them, especially a good doing horse like her,” Ben Foote said.
“She has come on a lot in the coat since that run and she’s thriving.
“She’s good to go again, we’re happy and she’s been working very well.”
Vinnie Colgan has partnered Babylon Berlin in each of her last four starts and will take the reins again.
“He’s had a few rides on her now and has worked her out well,” Foote said.
“Hopefully, the track will be good and they run along. I don’t see why she won’t get the 1400m again, she ran a cracker of a race when second to Imperatriz.”
Colgan will also guide the fortunes of Myakkabelle, having been aboard the two-time winner in her last three outings.
The daughter of War Decree was a resuming third before she overcame a slow start to run fifth in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m).
The Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) hope then stepped up to a middle distance to finish a sound fourth, after being held up at the top of the straight, in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m).
“It’s a good race for her (at Te Rapa) and even though it lacks numbers, there’s quality there,” Foote said.
“It will give us a really good line on her before the Oaks. We think she will get better as she gets over further and whatever she does on Saturday will bring her on again.”
By Paul Vettise, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
