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A trip to Melbourne remains in the mix for What’s the Story, who is progressing well after an early setback to his spring campaign.
The Group One performer, who was laid low by a blood infection, furthered his preparation when fifth in a 1000 metre trial at Avondale on Tuesday.
“He’s well and it’s good to have him back trialling,” said Stephen McKee, who prepares the Savabeel gelding with Eddie Chippendale.“The track was far too heavy for him so he just cruised around and he made some steady ground late in the piece.
“He’ll go to Ruakaka on Saturday week and we’ll get that run out of the way before we lock in a programme.“There are a nice spread of races in Melbourne for him, he’s not nominated for the Caulfield or Melbourne Cups but there are a lot of options over there for a horse that can stay.”
What's The Story has won two of his eight starts, and finished runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby. He was spelled after he ran sixth in the Gr.1 ATC Derby.Stablemate Consensus was also in action at Avondale where she finished runner-up in her 1000 metre heat.
“Again the track was a bit heavy for her, but she went along nicely under a good hold,” McKee said.“She’ll also kick off at Ruakaka and while the 1200 metres is a bit short for her, she is quite sharp at the moment.
“She’ll then go to the Matamata Cup and on to the weight-for-age race at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup day that she won last year.”McKee was referring to the Gr.3 Sofitel Luxury Hotels Stakes, one of three races the mare claimed last season and she also placed in the Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes.