The arrival of the G1 Australian Guineas favourite Xtravagant (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) in Victoria for that Saturday feature was far from straightforward, with the cancellation of his original flight causing fears of missing the race. That minor hiccup has been resolved, however, and the last-out G1 NRM Sprint winner will look to create some drama of a more positive variety Saturday. Xtravagant began to live up to his name last season when winning three straight, including the G1 NZ 2000 Guineas, and after suffering a blip when fourth in the G1 Levin Classic Jan. 16 he roared back an eight-length winner of the 1400 metre NRM Sprint at Te Rapa Feb. 13. Stephen Autridge, who trains the colt in partnership with Jamie Richards, said Xtravagant will be versatile in his running style.
“This horse, we've ridden him in behind twice and he's gone just as good,” Autridge told Racing.com. “We don't have to worry about leading, but barrier three is ideal anyway. The way he races, if they're running slow, he could be in front, but if they're running fast, he'll take a trail. With any luck, it doesn't matter as long as it's a fairly run race.”
Xtravagant's opposition includes another talented Kiwi-bred in the form of Tarzino (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), the winner of last season's G1 Victoria Derby. Tarzino was fourth in Caulfield's G2 Autumn S. first-up two weeks ago at a 1400 metre distance far short of his best. Victorious in that event was Mahuta (Aus) (Flying Spur {Aus}). That Darren Weir charge looks to extend his unbeaten run to seven Saturday, having also won the Listed Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas Jan. 9 after finishing the spring off victorious in the G2 Sandown Guineas.
Palentino (Aus) (Teofilo {Ire}) looks for redemption after being disqualified from the win in the Feb. 20 G3 CS Hayes S., but also has to overcome a wide barrier here. Promoted to victory in the Hayes was the reopposing Tivaci (Aus) (High Chapparal {Ire}).
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