Gerard plots path to NZB Kiwi for Guineas quinella

A shot at New Zealand’s richest race, the NZB Kiwi, is firmly on the agenda for Pam Gerard’s New Zealand 2000 Guineas quinella pair Romanoff and Affirmative Action.

However, Gerard is not rushing into defined decisions on how the two three-year-olss get to that race, and whether that will take in the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO.

“Their flight home was yesterday and they arrived back at the stables at 10 last night, so I’m looking forward to giving them some well-deserved time out,” Gerard said.

“We won’t have a lot of time to play with – maybe 10 days, a fortnight – but that will give us the chance to talk things through with both sets of owners and set our plans in place.”

Romonoff earned first option on the Canterbury Jockey Club’s NZB Kiwi slot, while Gerard doesn’t expect any shortage of suitors for Affirmative Action’s shot at the country’s richest race.

“There’s no denying Affirmative Action’s liking for Ellerslie, so that will make him an obvious target for NZB Kiwi slot-holders,” Gerard added.

“The race is obviously very tempting for Romanoff too, as there’s a million-dollar bonus up for grabs if he can add that race to Saturday’s win, plus I understand he’s up for an additional bonus as graduate of Karaka Book 2.”

Affirmative Action is equal second favourite behind unbeaten filly Well Written for both the Karaka Millions 3YO at $6 and NZB Kiwi at $8, while Romanoff is on the third line for both races at $7 and $12.

“A race like the BCD Sprint looks like a good early option for both Guineas horses, but it’s too early to lock that or any other race in,” she said. “First things first, we’ll give them a wee break, see how they progress and take it from there.”