McKee hoping for answer at Awapuni
25 November 2014
A proposed trip to the Central Districts for O’Marilyn will belatedly answer a distance question posed to the top filly by trainer Stephen McKee.
He had expected the daughter of O’Reilly to have confirmed her 1600 metre ability in the Gr.1 NZB 1000 Guineas, but returned none the wiser.
O’Marilyn was the beaten favourite at Riccarton, where she struggled on a surface that was cutting out, after Group Three victories in the Gold Trail Stakes and the Sarten Memorial.
“She only went 800 metres and she didn’t handle the track at all so it wasn’t any guide about the mile,” McKee said. “We may look at the Eulogy Stakes and then we’ll find out.”
The Lawn Master-sponsored Group Three feature will be run at Awapuni on December 13.
“She seems fine in herself and had a week off when she got home and she’s back in work,” McKee said.
The stable also encountered bad luck in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas with O’Marilyn’s barn mate Prince Mambo finishing third after giving his rivals a start from the barrier.
“He lost a lot of ground – he scrambled and slipped out of the gates so it was a really good run,” McKee said.
Prince Mambo raced three wide with cover and got home bravely in the straight behind runaway winner Turn Me Loose and Rockfast.
“He’s had three weeks in the paddock and will come back next week,” McKee said. “He’ll be aimed toward the Derby and we’ll pick a path to Ellerslie after Christmas.” – NZ Racing Desk.
Recent News

27 November 2023
Savabeel 3YO makes impressive debut
A well-related son of Champion Sire Savabeel made the perfect start to his career at Kilmore on Sunday afternoon. The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Interlinked made his debut over 1450 metres in the hands …
Read More
25 November 2023
Rudyard powers to Pukekohe victory
The Tony Pike-trained Rudyard produced a storming late finish at Pukekohe on Saturday afternoon to account for his Rating 65 rivals over 1600 metres. The son of Charm Spirit had finished an encouraging fourth when …
Read More