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Group winner for Trentham return; Sydney on Merion’s radar; Group One for O’Dianne.

Group winner for Trentham return

A stakes winner in Sydney will kick off a new campaign at Trentham on March 14.

The Gr.3 Hawkesbury Cup winner Coup Ay Tee will accompany the Gr.1 Wellfield NZ Oaks hope Another Coup and another yet to be confirmed stablemate north from their Riccarton base.

“Coup Ay Tee will run fresh up in the Lightning Handicap and we’re really very happy with him,” co-trainer Michael Pitman said.

Sydney on Merion’s radar

The Sydney autumn carnival awaits Merion, as long as the New Zealand-bred races up to expectations this weekend.

The son of O’Reilly must first pass a test in the Gr.1 $A500,000 Australian Guineas at Flemington.

“This is the race we’ve aimed him at and he’s had two runs now,” trainer Mike Moroney said.

Merion was third when resuming and last time out he was fourth behind Wandjina in the Gr.3 CS Hayes Stakes.

“He’ll be on trial for Sydney at Flemington on Saturday. There are lots of options for a good three-year-old like him up there so we’ll see how he runs here first,” Moroney said.

Group One for O’Dianne

O’Dianne will move back up in grade following her maiden success at Ellerslie on Wednesday.

Fourth in the Listed Karaka Million, the youngster led all the way to be rewarded for four previous placings and trainer Stephen McKeee is now keen on Gr.1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes start.

“I think she’s a touch better left-handed,” he said. “She deserves a crack and she’s maturing all the time.”

O’Dianne was ridden by her regular partner Sam Spratt, who said it was a straightforward victory.

“She was just cruising all the way, hugged the rail and did it nicely. She’s a big, strong girl.”