All roads lead to Riccarton for impressive colt

Te Akau Racing unleashed one of their leading candidates for the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November when System Of Play (Ole Kirk) made short work of his rivals at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The unbeaten colt, who had won his only start as a two-year-old over 1200m at Te Rapa back in April, stepped out as the $1.80 favourite to win the Hello Youmzain – Champion 2nd Season Sire (1400m), and he did so in fine style in the hands of Michael McNab.

The son of Ole Kirk enjoyed an economical trip in midfield before being angled into the clear by McNab at the top of the straight. At this stage, speedy filly Grocer’s Girl (NZ) (Tarzino) had the field stretched as she made her bid for glory, however, System Of Play lengthened beautifully to hit the lead at the 100m before striding clear to win by half a length without raising much of a sweat.

Te Akau Racing assistant trainer Reece Trumper was excited with the colt’s return and what lies ahead for him.

“He is a very exciting colt on the way up,” Trumper said. “He has a lovely temperament, and everything has gone to plan, except the weather, this time around.

“We’ve been in discussions with Michael (McNab) right through and he thought 1400m first-up would be no problems.

“That’s why he is the 2000 Guineas favourite as he is some horse.

“We will see how he pulls up before we make any decisions and he will enjoy a week out of the stable on the water treadmill.”

McNab has a good opinion of the colt, who is now the $4 Fixed Odds favourite for the 2000 Guineas, which will be run on 14 November.

“He was good and he has a big spruik on him,” he said. “He will improve out of this as he had only had the two trials and went straight to 1400m. Just getting him back racing (is good) as he felt super.”

Purchased by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis for $480,000 out of the Ohukia Lodge draft during the Ready To Run sale at Karaka in 2025, System of Play is out of the Medaglia D’Oro mare Statuesquely, who was placed at Group Three level in Australia and is closely related to dual Group One winner Lotteria.

Te Akau Racing added two further wins to their tally at Ellerslie courtesy of Towering Vision (NZ) (Circus Maximus) in the Trackside.co.nz 1600 and Day One in the Golf Warehouse 1300.

Meanwhile, Spellbound (NZ) (Per Incanto), a three-year-old son of Per Incanto, also caught the eye when beating his age group rivals over 1200m to open the day at Ellerslie.

The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-prepared gelding had to play second fiddle to stablemate Shore Breeze (Too Darn) on the tote, however, a top-class ride by Corentin Berge saw him power home against the inside rail to defeat Rossella (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) and Shore Breeze, who was held up badly at a vital stage in the home straight.

James was pleased with the victory as he considers a path to the New Zealand 2000 Guineas for his charge.

“It was a good ride by Corentin, although it is always easier when you are drawn (barrier) one,” James said.

“He has always promised he could be better than average, but he is growing, so we are hoping he can hold together for a preparation that ends in the middle of November.

“It’s my impression that 1400m to 1600m will suit him.”