Champion NZ 2YO Warhorse will continue his spring build-up in the LR Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Warhorse (3c General Nediym – Rathlin Island by Giant’s Causeway) is ready to run an improved race after a first-up fourth in the LR Wanganui Guineas (1340m) earlier this month on an unsuitable heavy track.  “He will run providing the track is no worse than slow,” trainer Jason Bridgman said.  “He’s in good order but he’s probably going to take a couple of runs before we get him to peak fitness.”

The colt’s goal is the G1 NZ 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 12.

Warhorse was a brilliant G3 winner of the Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.  He followed up with an unlucky placing in the Karaka Million before claiming the G1 Diamond Stakes back at Ellerslie in March.

“The aim is to win a Group 1 race with him at three and the Bonecrusher is the next stepping stone.  He’s ready to run a good race on a track he can handle.”

Bred by Hope Bloodstock, Warhorse is raced by Singapore based Tang Weng Fei after being purchased for $100,000 from Trelawney Stud at the NZ Bloodstock 2011 Karaka Premier Sale.  His dam Rathlin Island is an unraced half-sister to Melbourne G2 winner California Dane (Danehill).

Bruce Perry Bloodstock bought his Zabeel half-sister for $120,000 out of the Cambridge Stud at the 2012 NZB Karaka yearling sale.  Rathlin Island foaled another Zabeel filly last September and was then sent to Australia to be covered by Commands.