Darryn and Briar Weatherley are under no illusions about the holiday task ahead of Bulgari but are confident the three-year-old is up to making a strong impression.
While respectful of the competition, the father and daughter training combination have faith in their colt to give the more favoured contenders a run for their money in Friday’s Gr.2 Jimmy Schick Shaw’s Auckland Guineas (1400m).
“We are really happy with him, he’s up against it with that filly (Well Written) and Pam Gerard’s horse (Affirmative Action) in there, but I wouldn’t have him in if I didn’t think he was a chance,” Darryn Weatherley said.
“I really like the horse, he’s been unlucky in a couple of runs and he’s got a very good future.”
The son of Hello Youmzain won his only start last season and this preparation hasn’t had the rub of the green, finishing in behind the major players in both the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) and Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m).
Two runs back, Bulgari was fourth after an interrupted run at Te Aroha and last time out over this course and distance was unplaced after being denied clear air in the straight.
“He worked on the course proper on Tuesday morning with Inside Out and he was super, he’s very bright,” Weatherley said.
“We gave him a trial last week at Avondale and he’s really come on from that with flying colours.
“He will strip a fit horse on Friday and there’s only seven other runners, albeit a couple of them go very well, so he’s going to get a nice run.”
Stablemate Dark Destroyer will also face a stiff task when he steps out in the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m) following a last-start runner-up finish at Pukekohe Park.
“It’s a strong line-up and he deserves his spot in the field, he’s a Group One winner (Tarzino Trophy, 1400m) so we’re looking for a nice run from him,” Weatherley said.
“If he goes well, he’ll go back to Ellerslie for the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and he should be even more competitive over the 2400m.”
The stable’s other runner on Boxing Day is the genuine Inside Out, who will contest the Stella Artois Championship Final (1500m).
“He’s another one who you can’t get a line on in trackwork, but he’s very well and hasn’t put a foot wrong,” said Weatherley, whose son Sam will be aboard all three runners.
He was a debut winner in the autumn and the chestnut son of Proisir added a couple of fifth placings before a break.
The four-year-old finished runner-up in his resuming run at Tauranga and was again second last time out at Ellerslie where the step up from 1300m should be ideal.
“He’s improved with every start and went a really good race the other day and meets the horse that beat him (Rise Companions) better off at the weights,” Weatherley said. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk.
