Tony Pike-trained gelding Sacred Elixir is a short priced favourite for the Group One $400,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes over 2000 metres here at Te Rapa on Saturday week.
The star three-year-old was on the second line of the betting at $8 before unplaced on the weekend, but TAB bookmakers weren't worried with the performance and reduced his odds to $4.50 despite a first-up fourth in the Karaka Mile on Sunday - it was fresh up after running second in the Victoria Derby three months ago, and he'll only improve with the race under his belt.
The second line is shared by the Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs trained Volkstok'n'barrell and the in-form mare Consensus from the Stephen McKee stable, both on $5.
Volkstok'n'barrell put in a huge performance for fourth in the Group One Thorndon Mile. After covering extra ground being trapped wide, was game with his topweight. He won't have to improve much to figure in the finish. He came in slightly after the performance, from $6.
Consensus odds were lowered after the consistent mare took out the Zabeel Classic, and further enhanced her chances with a dashing victory at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Trainer Stephen McKee elected to run at Pukekohe rather than going to Trentham for the Thorndon Mile, may have been a good move.
The Kevin Hickman owned Savile Row is third in line of betting at $7. Trainers Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard have decided on the weight-for-age option for the Makfi colt, rather than this weekend's Group Two Waikato Guineas for the Levin Classic runner-up.
Thee Auld Floozie was a dominant victor in last weekend's Thorndon Mile, was next in line last week at $9, but has drifted today to $16.
Expect a form reversal from local runner Stolen Dance after her disappointing run at Trentham, stepping up to 2000 metres could see a complete change. She is a quality mare at $9.
Abidewithme is next in the line of betting at $10. Abidewithme, bred and owned by Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan will have her last start with the daughter of Redoute's Choice in foal. A Group One win would be worthy for the prolific stakes performer.
Trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards are also represented with the Te Akau pair Hall Of Fame and Heroic Valour. Hall Of Fame was brilliant taking out the Group One Levin Classic a fortnight ago rated $16, is also entered in the Waikato Guineas on Saturday. Stablemate, Heroic Valour was pipped by a nose by the unbeaten filly Volpe Veloce on Sunday. Heroic Valour is rated a $21 chance.
