Racing: Flight to Brisbane booked

Connections of The Jewel have booked her on a flight to Brisbane in anticipation of a bold run in the Canterbury Gold Cup at Riccarton today.

The Jewel is booked to be flown from Auckland on May 18.

"If we decided to go, she would remain in Christchurch after her race on Saturday," co-trainer Hec Anderton said.

Anderton and training partner, son Steve, also have Sand Sweeper in contention for the Canterbury Cup after a last start win over The Jewel in the Easter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton on April 16.

"Both horses are in form and pretty much on top of their game," Anderton said.

The pair worked separately at Wingatui today, running 1400m on the inside grass and sprinting home from the 200m.

The Jewel then relaxed in her stall wearing a massage rug. The rug, imported from Germany, contains 10 electric motors powered by a rechargeable battery. It emits vibrations.

The Jewel is proven at the weight-for-age conditions of the Canterbury Cup with her win in the International Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa in February.

Jason Laking, who rode her to win the One Thousand Guineas at Riccarton, is back in the saddle.

Sand Sweeper is stepping up to 2000m.

"I have no doubt he (Sand Sweeper) will get the distance if he can get cover," Anderton said.

Sand Sweeper has won four of his eight starts this season and been placed in the other four.

"He has really come of age."

He will be spelled after his race. The Jewel, who has had seven starts in the past six months, has been entered for the Doomben Cup (2200m) on May 28 and Brisbane Cup (3200m) on June 13.

Two plane loads carrying a total of 24 horses were scheduled to fly out of New Zealand on Thursday and yesterday, bound for Brisbane.

They included Auckland Cup winner Bazelle whose main assignment is the Melbourne Cup in November, although she could race in July or August.

- NZPA