McKee will know Guineas story after Trentham meeting

23 October 2015

Stephen McKee should know what the story is after Saturday.

The Ardmore trainer will have three runners at Trentham, including promising three-year-old What’s The Story, who will be on trial for the Gr.1 Sothys 2000 Guineas.

What’s The Story, a Savabeel colt, did not have his first race until late last month, but had shown enough to be nominated for Riccarton and easily won a 1200m maiden at Ruakaka on debut.

He will be the least experienced runner in the NZTBA Wellington Branch Guineas Trial, but none of his rivals have won more than once.

“He’s very raw at the moment,” McKee said. “He’s got plenty of ability, but doesn’t know how to use it yet and this race should show us what level he’s at.

“He’s got a really good turn of foot, though the number one draw might not be ideal, as he’s still not that comfortable among horses.

“If he was able to win again, we would have to look at Riccarton, as it would be just two weeks to a Group One against his own age group.

“But he’s going to stay, and if he doesn’t win on Saturday, he probably wouldn’t go to Riccarton and instead work towards Christmas racing.”

McKee, who has a wonderful record at Trentham, also has runners in the two black type races on Saturday’s programme.

Spin Doctor tackles the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate and two-year-old Tennessee opened as a $2.25 favourite for the Listed Wellesley Stakes.

Tennessee, a Per Incanto filly, won on debut at Ruakaka, beating the subsequent winner Caorunn, with the third horse another six lengths away.

“She’s very smart and very quick and will have improved with the experience of a race,” McKee said. “Though she was pretty streetwise [at Ruakaka] for a horse who hadn’t had a trial.

“The step up to 1000m should suit her. We had to push the button early at Ruakaka to head off Caorunn, but she’s got a big flowing action and would be better if she was able to gather momentum.”

Back to Savabeel news

The Corner with Garry Chittick

Mary and I had a great weekend. As usual, Taupo Race Club put on a couple of days that encourage you to go to the races. The lead-in to the day was an hour or so at the iconic Yacht Club Bar – an easy place to be, perched above the lake: wine, beer and pizzas provided. A chance to meet and greet, bearing in mind the visitors that make the effort to attend.

19 August 2026

Noverre’s son Spill It sold to Chris Waller

Christchurch trainer Anna Furlong will be keeping a keen eye on the progress of promising three-year-old Spill It after the talented youngster was sold to Australia following his impressive Riccarton victory earlier this month.