Photo: Trish Dunell
Last start winner Khufu will continue his progression towards the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 49th New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) when he contests Saturday’s Gr.2 Dundeel at Arrowfield Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings.
The Tony Pike-trained three-year-old broke through for his maiden win at Hawera earlier this month and while Pike hadn’t planned on stepping him back up to stakes company so soon, track conditions dictated the next step in his preparation.
“We wanted to take an easier option with him through Matamata last week,” Pike said. “It is a big jump in class from a Hawera maiden but due to track conditions we were forced to scratch last week and head to the Guineas on Saturday. The better track conditions are going to suit.
“He is very progressive, we know how much ability he has got and it will be interesting to see how he matches up against the better three-year-olds. Hopefully he is on a Guineas path down to Riccarton.”
Bred by Nearco Stud, Khufu was purchased by Pike out of Curraghmore's 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock draft for $150,000. -NZ Racing Desk
