14 Sep 2017
Hopes for a successful return to racing from Burgundy gelding Hard Merchandize on his home turf on Saturday were significantly boosted during the week.
The Gary Vile-trained three-year-old impressed during his two-year-old campaign last term and he prepared to open his classic season in the H & T Agronomics/Agricom Handicap (1200m) at Awapuni in good style during training this week.
“I thought before his final gallop that if he could run in the first three I would be happy,” part-owner and trainer Gary Vile said.
“After that gallop, which was very, very good, he’s ready to give them all something to think about.”
Hard Merchandize won three juvenile races, including the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m), finished third at Trentham and fifth in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).
He was ridden in all his starts by Hayden Tinsley, but on Saturday Vile has opted to engage apprentice Timothy Johnson who can claim a 2kg allowance.
“He’ll carry 53kg, which is a competitive weight, and with three weeks to the Hawke’s Bay Guineas the timing is really good,” Vile said.
Cambridge Stud stallion Burgundy has already enjoyed three-year-old success this week with the Lisa Latta-trained Dijon Bleu winning the Listed O'Leary Fillies Classic at Wanganui on Wednesday. - NZ Racing Desk