Last start Group Three winner Geneva has earned his place in Saturday’s Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m), marking trainer Kylie Hoskin’s first trans-Tasman campaign.
Winner of the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2100m) following a third-placing in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m), Geneva’s preparation on the track has been smooth sailing, but his journey across the Tasman has been anything but.
Despite some travel hiccups, there is no dampening Hoskin’s enthusiasm for the challenge.
“It's really exciting to be contesting a Group One in Australia,” Hoskin said. “You always hope you're going to have one good enough to get over here, so it's very exciting.
“The travel has been a bit of a nightmare as the plane we were originally scheduled to fly to Melbourne on had an engine issue and was delayed.
“The plan was to fly over here and then head up to Aaron Bain’s at the old Lindsay Park at Angaston.
“He was going to have us for the week, but we missed our interstate truck. So we're currently at Ballarat at Henry Dwyer's and everyone's been super helpful.
“He is heading to Adelaide on Thursday night because that is the last interstate truck, so we've had to pivot a bit.”
Rory Hutchings, who was aboard the Time Test gelding at his most recent victory at Trentham, has returned to Australia and retains the ride.
“It is good to have him on because the horse can be a little bit tough in the running,” Hoskin said.
“He doesn't always want to settle, and Rory rode him perfectly at Trentham and knows the horse well.”
The winner of three of his 12 starts, Geneva has raced every month between August and March and enters Saturday’s contest with five weeks between runs.
“We've spaced a lot of his races, so he's often had a month in between runs,” Hoskin said. “He's a naturally fit horse. I don't have to pile a heap of work into him. He eats well, and he's a pretty calm and cool character. I'm not worried about the fact he's been up a while.”
Bred and raced by John and Mark Carter, along with their sister Rachael under the Jomara Bloodstock banner, Geneva has been the subject of overseas interest throughout his career from the moment he made a winning debut as a two-year-old.
“The owners sent me a few horses last season and out of that, I've had Geneva and also Oratia Beauty, who is stakes placed. I've been lucky to have a couple of nice ones for them with the first batch they sent me,” Hoskin said.
“We've had plenty of offers for him, seven-figures at one stage, but he doesn't scope very well. So that has meant he's stayed with me and it’s great to see him continue to race so well.
“Morphettville should suit him as he likes to go left-handed and we already know the distance won’t be a problem as he handled the distance in the New Zealand Derby, even despite copping some interference in the home straight.
“To win a Group One in Australia would honestly be a dream come true.
“I just can't even imagine how excited I would be. It's all the blood, sweat and tears, the early mornings and time away from your family. It would just be mind-blowing.” – NZ Racing Desk
