Kiwi trainer Tony Pike primed to strike back with powerful winter contingent

NEW Zealand trainer Tony Pike hopes to put a last year’s nightmare winter carnival ­behind him when he brings a strong contingent to Queensland this year.

The Stradbroke Handicap barrier draw at Doomben. Owner of Sacred Star Kyan Yap and trainer Tony Pike after they drew barrier 5. Pic Jono Searle.

NEW Zealand trainer Tony Pike hopes to put a last year’s nightmare winter carnival ­behind him when he brings a strong contingent to Queensland this year, headed by New Zealand Derby placegetters Rangipo and Raghu.

Pike also has Sacred Star on another Stradbroke mission, with promising two-year-old Sacred Elixir and possibly Zabeel filly Provocative lined up for Queensland campaigns.

“I’ve only been there the two years,’’ Pike said. “The first time around we won the QTC Cup with Sacred Star but last year was an absolute nightmare.

“Everything that could go wrong did, so hopefully the tide turns this time.”

The first plane from New Zealand to Brisbane leaves on May 1 with at least 12 strongly credentialed Kiwis expected to travel.

New Zealanders took both Classics in Sydney and the form out of Rangipo’s Derby means he and Raghu will be star attractions this winter.

“There were a few people who wanted to pot the Derby form when it was a bunched finish but the top six or seven out of it have proven it’s a good race again,” Pike said.

“New Zealand three-year-old form has always held up pretty well.’’

Sacred Star owner Kyan Yap and trainer Tony Pike at last year’s Stradbroke barrier draw. Picture: Jono Searle

Raghu will run in New Zealand on April 30 and will then be on the plane to Queensland where he will take the ­traditional path to the Derby.

“This will be his last preparation for me. He is owned in Hong Kong, so after Brisbane he will go to Hong Kong and likely be prepared for the Derby up there,” Pike said.

Rangipo has won seven from 12, including his past three, and will have only two Queensland runs, with the Guineas his main aim.

“We will keep him to the shorter trips this time and then make a call after this carnival whether we have a shot at Melbourne or not,” Pike said.

Provocative, who has won two from four, needs to earn her stripes before being a confirmed Queensland contender, while Sacred Elixir is a J.J. Atkins candidate.

“Provocative was one of the early favourites for the New Zealand Derby but had a setback, which was most unfortunate,’’ Pike said.

“If she can win one here first, she would be an ideal Queensland Oaks horse.’’

Stradbroke Handicap $10 chance Bow Creek will not run in the race, with Godolphin off to Hong Kong instead.

Stablemate Ghisoni, $21 in the Stradbroke market after a luckless Arrowfield run on Saturday, has also been ruled out, leaving Federal as Godolphin’s leading hope.

Sacred Star at Doomben trackwork last winter. Picture: Darren England

Originally published as Kiwi trainer Tony Pike primed to strike back with powerful winter contingent