Smart racemare Esmeralda returns to Addington Raceway this Friday night in her first appearance since finishing unplaced in the Group 1 Fahey Fence Hire Breeders Stakes in February. Trainer-driver Gerard O’Reilly had her in terrific form prior to that run, including victories in the Listed Bob McArdle on Show Day and the Methven Green Mile. She has had one trial since, a winning performance with her last 800m run in 56.8 seconds at Ashburton last week. Drawing the widest position on the front row, she’ll need to contend with plenty of form horses inside her.
Trump Card was expertly handled last time by Blair Orange, who drives him again, making a mid-race move to take the lead and hold off race rival Malakai. That was the latter’s first run since September, so with natural improvement expected, he shapes as another genuine player – as do Moonlite Blood and Amaretto Franco, both of whom possess excellent gate speed. Moonlite Blood ran a terrific third behind Mo’unga last week, while Amaretto Franco finished fourth behind Trump Card after leading a fortnight ago. This is definitely a race – and a group of horses – worth following in the coming weeks.