Mon, 22 October 2018

Xpression 1000 Guineas Favourite

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- NZ Racing Desk

North Island raider Xpression (NZ) (Showcasing) confirmed favouritism for next month’s Gr. 1 Gavelhouse.com New Zealand 1000 Guineas when she handed out a beating to her age group rivals at Ashburton today.

The stylish Showcasing filly was heavily favoured to take out the Gr. 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes and gave her supporters little cause for concern throughout the contest.

Regular rider Sam Collett had a virtual stranglehold on Xpression as she looped the field on the point of the turn to issue her challenge and then dash clear to defeat Our Flying Ace, with Fire Show battling on gamely for third.

Co-trainer Grant Cullen, who prepares the filly with Guy Lowry from their Hastings base, was satisfied with the win as he looked ahead to a greater challenge at Riccarton next month.

“It was a nice ride as she got a nice track into the race,” he said. “The only concern was travelling so far from home but she’s thrived since she has been here so it was fantastic to see her come through today.

“She will be based here now and won’t race again between now and the Guineas. We have no real set plans but might look at a jumpout if she thrives, but failing that it will be straight into the Guineas.”

TAB bookmakers reacted quickly to the win, with Xpression now at a $2.80 quote to win the fillies’ feature at Riccarton on November 17. Melt (NZ) (Iffraaj), who had sheared the top line with Xpression before today, remains at $4.