Romanoff NZB Kiwi decision not yet made

Pam Gerard insists no decision has been made as to whether G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas quinella pair Romanoff and Affirmative Action will contest the NZB Kiwi.

“No decision has been made yet on either horse,” Gerard said. “As the 2000 Guineas winner, Romanoff has first option on the Canterbury Jockey Club slot and those negotiations are still taking place between the horse’s connections and the CJC.”

Gerard reports that her star three-year-old pair are making pleasing progress back in full work following some time out to recover from their trip south.

“They’re back in the stable and doing well, I’m very pleased with them both for what’s shaping as an exciting summer.

“What we have penciled in at this stage is for Affirmative Action to run in the Auckland Guineas at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, and Romanoff will have his first start back in the Levin Classic at Trentham on the first Saturday in January.

“That way the first time they’ll meet again will be the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at the end of January and all going to plan they’ll then target the Kiwi.”

CJC chief executive Tim Mills has confirmed that his club is adhering to the original intention behind the slot.

“Our modus operandi in having a slot is to utilise it as a prize for running in our Guineas races,” Mills said.

“As an incentive for competing in our races it works very well for the club. In the case of the horse with first option, Romanoff, as the winner of the 2000 Guineas, he’s eligible for the $1 million bonus if he can finish in the first three in the NZB Kiwi.”