Te Akau Adds Star NZ Filly to Aust Arsenal

Te Aka Racing's powerful Australian raiding party received more firepower over the weekend with the addition of last season's New Zealand Filly of the Year Amarelinha to their Sydney barn. "She is in good shape. She arrived there yesterday morning. She had a good trip over and settled in well," trainer Jamie Richards said. Amarelinha had two trials in New Zealand, including a runner-up result behind stablemate Entriviere over 900m at Ellerslie earlier this month. According to NZ Racing Desk, Richards has taken it quietly with the daughter of Savabeel since then but has been pleased with her progress prior to leaving his Matamata base. "She will trial on Thursday and we will make a plan from there. If she runs well she could kick-off in the Bill Ritchie, which is on 18 September," he said. Meanwhile, Richards has received positive reports from his father, Te Akau travelling foreman Paul Richards, about the progress of Entriviere after she suffered a minor foot issue earlier this month which ruled her out of the Gr3 Toy Show Quality (1100m). Back home in New Zealand, Richards is looking forward to racing resuming in New Zealand this week. He welcomed the decision to delay the Hastings Spring Carnival by a week, with Avantage looking to add to her nine Group 1 victories.

Amarelinha could make a big statement during the spring (pic: Race Images)