Tony Pike had mixed luck earlier in the day with Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Sherwood Forest (Fastnet Rock) having a nice hit-out in a 1000m exhibition gallop for rider Troy Harris.
Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Sherwood Forest travels strongly during his exhibition gallop at Tauranga
Photo: Race Images Kenton Wright
However Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Loire (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) was at her headstrong best when refusing to exit the Tauranga birdcage as she missed out on accompanying her stablemate on the track.
“Sherwood Forest went a nice 1000m although Troy was looking after him in that ground,” he said.
“He was very strong after the line and is coming up really well.
“He might have a canter around at Ellerslie in two weeks, as long as the track isn’t too wet and then we will probably head to the second day at Hastings.
“Loire was just being her normal self. She’s not easy and although she is pretty calm, she has a mind of her own and if she doesn’t want to do something that’s pretty much it.
“She doesn’t get wound up at all, she just says no not today boys.
“I’m really rapt with the way she is coming up so we will probably put her on a truck now and take her to the beach for a workout next Tuesday.
