Xpression & Melt Set to Feature in 1000 Guineas

Last week, Melt (NZ) (Iffraaj) staked her claim for the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas with an impressive win at Ruakaka in the G3 Northland Breeders' Stakes.  This weekend it was the turn of Haunui home-bred Xpression (NZ) (Showcasing) in the G3 Gold Trail Stakes and wearing the Haunui colours, she certainly didn't disappoint.

Taking on last season's Champion 2YO Avantage (AUS) (Fastnet Rock), Xpression fared poorly in the barrier draws whilst her main rival had pole position drawing barrier one.  With plenty of ground to make up, Xpression eye balled Avantage down the Hawkes Bay straight coming up just a half-head short of taking the spoils.  You can watch the replay here.

"It was a huge effort and there was plenty of yelling from our part of the stand that's for sure," said Haunui's Managing Director, Mark Chitty.  "That was only her fourth start and there is still plenty of improvement in her and, from that performance, we know we are on track for the 1000 Guineas," he said.  "It's exciting to think that both Melt and Xpression - two fillies that were born and raised at Haunui - are two of the leading 3YO fillies in New Zealand at the present time."