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Two Illicit at peak for Group I tilt

Roger James and Robert Wellwood believe there is a positive sense of timing around Two Illicit’s bid for Group I glory at Trentham today.

The Cambridge trainers are confident the daughter of Jimmy Choux will relish the step up in distance on a roomy track in the Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) after two fine lead-up outings.

Two Illicit successfully resumed in the Group III Red Badge Spring Sprint (1400m) at Hastings before she rushed home for third in the Group II Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) behind Showoroses and Our Alley Cat.

``She has been set for this race and then the Zabeel Classic [Group I, 2000m] and she is spot on for Trentham,’’ Wellwood said.

``Fresh-up, she ran a really smart 1400m and second-up we always thought the

1400m would be a touch short for her, but it was a good run and it served its purpose.

``She ran super well and hit the line strongly and was beaten by two specialist

1400m horses. We were very happy and it did look like a mile next up would suit her down to the ground.’’

The Trelawney Stud-bred and raced Two Illicit has breezed through her latest outing and will strip at her peak for Trentham.

``We are really happy with the way she has come through it and her regular work rider thinks she feels better now than she did heading into the Breeders’ Stakes,’’ Wellwood said.

She will be accompanied south by Assertive Nature, who will contest the Concept Security Premier (1400m) off the back of a maiden success at New Plymouth at her third appearance.

``She worked with Two Illicit and considering she was working with a horse heading to a Group I we had to be pretty happy.’’

Meanwhile, a tendon injury has forced the retirement of Group I Livamol Classic (2040m) winner Savy Yong Blonk, diluting the potency of Matamata trainer Jamie Richards’ hand for the Captain Cook.

Six-year-old Savy Yong Blonk was one of four entries for Richards in the weight-forage feature but with her breaking down and Mai Tai redirected to next Saturday’s Group II Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa, the champion trainer will rely on Brando and Prise De Fer to fly the flag.

TAB bookmakers have Prise De Fer as a $6.50 third favourite and Brando a $14 sixth favourite in a Captain Cook market headed by Two Illicit at $3.20 and Aegon at $4.20.

Meanwhile, Concert Hall has made good progress since her narrow defeat in the Group III Balmerino Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa.

``She will head to the Cal Isuzu Stakes [Group II, 1600m] on Waikato Cup Day. It’s not ideal running her at a distance short of her best, but she will be heading to the Zabeel Classic to defend her crown on Boxing Day and this race is the best stepping stone to that,’’ Wellwood said.

Also set for Te Rapa next on Saturday is Cheaperthandivorce, who won the Group III Thompson Handicap (1600m) in October before she finished third in the Group III Counties Cup (2100m).

Sport

en-nz

2021-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-12-04T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/282621741000071

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