New Zealand’s juvenile elite will fire up for the G1 Diamond Stakes next month when they clash in the LR Reid & Harrison Slipper (1200m) at Matamata on Saturday.

Gasoline, a rising star by Vinery freshman Pluck, will vie for favouritism in the five-horse field alongside last-start Fastnet Rock winners Mongolian Falcon and Heroic Value.

“He’s worked well and is ready for Saturday’s challenge,” said Andrew Forsman who trains Gasoline with Murray Baker.  “We freshened him up after that win at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.  He’s looking good and we kept him up to speed with a winning trial at Matamata.”

The winner will firm as market-leader for the G1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 12.

In Australia, Pluck two year-olds Cogliere and Life On The Wire have both been responsible for eye-catching runs this month.  Cogliere flew home to finish fourth in the RL Inglis Classic (1200m) at Randwick on February 6 after two wins on the NSW North Coast.

Speedy filly Life On The Wire was another Pluck to just miss black-type when fourth on debut in the LR Gold Sovereign Stakes in Launceston on Wednesday.

The Adelaide Magic Millions on March 14 & 15 is the next opportunity to buy a Pluck yearling when three of his colts and two fillies parade at Morphettville.