Racing: Guineas great chance to witness talent of rising stars

The prospect of Darci Brahma, Dr Green and Hastings winner Captain Kurt clashing in the Hawkes Bay Guineas on Saturday week does not deserve the tag of an undercard to the $1 million Kelt Capital Stakes.

And what about the 3-year-old fillies. Howmuchyacharging's Highview Stakes victory on Saturday left no doubt she is heading for a top ranking.

Runner-up Crepe De Chine has had her problems and did remarkably well to go under so narrowly. Trainer Lance O'Sullivan was unable to give the filly a barrier trial and it showed when she looked to be under pressure in front soon after rounding the home turn.

She was wobbling at the 150m and that she could hold on under stress to be beaten only half a neck is all you need to know about her class.

City Affair made a big step up in class to finish third, Boudi Woudi ran on like a filly that will easily manage 1400m and 1600m and Vegas Showgirl gave the impression she could be a race or two away from form.

Then you've got horses of the calibre of debut juvenile winner Don Garcia.

You put up $1.05 million and you expect something. Don Garcia is something.

After his trials win at Taupo, jockey Michael Walker declared he couldn't wait for the Danehill colt to go to the races and on Saturday you saw why.

The wonderful feature of the three and a quarter length win was that Don Garcia did not have to be pressured to win. He had an enjoyable first experience to the races and should grow from there.

Mark Walker showed with his handling of Darci Brahma last season that he knows how to massage a young horse's true potential without hurting them and you can put a lot of money on the fact Don Garcia will get every opportunity.

Snazzy and Amazing One both turned in remarkable winning performances at Hastings to further prove we have real depth of talent with which to head into summer.

Mark Walker says he has no knowledge of who pulled off the big punt on Amazing One at Hastings.

Mid-morning on Saturday someone backed Amazing One to win his first start since returning from Hong Kong, plonking $5000 at $7.

"I'm only a battling horse trainer. I wouldn't have 5 cents to put on a horse," said Walker with a touch of false modesty.

"I have no idea whose money that was."

Amazing One is clearly capable of racing at the highest New Zealand level after his win. He sat three wide without cover and still managed to get past a very talented Pin Up Boy in the home straight.

"I thought Michael [Walker] rode him well because even though he was caught three deep without cover, he got the horse to settle. If he had kept pressing forward [early] it would have been suicide.

"He bled in Hong Kong so he has to have his progress carefully monitored. I'll look to aim his prep towards the Railway and Telegraph."

Walker said Don Garcia suffered no ill effects from his first race.

"He was pretty happy with himself this morning, bucking and squealing in his paddock."

* The TAB yesterday had Darci Brahma as the $3 favourite for the Hawkes Bay Guineas. Captain Kurt and Dr Green were at $4.50.