Racing: Horse version of rugby rivals

This is definitely a story for an Auckland newspaper. Christchurch, no.

On Saturday, Mark Walker was asked to compare Darci Brahma with his high-flying fellow juvenile, Kindacross.

The Matamata trainer scratched his head and said: "Darci Brahma is Daniel Carter - he's classy and talented, Kindacross is more like Andrew Mehrtens - he's a warrior."

The analogy doesn't stop there. Kindacross, like Mehrtens, is disappearing off the scene - in this case, to Hong Kong - and Darci Brahma looks as though he is about to move forward off the doorstep of greatness.

The $1.1 million yearling from last February is headed to Queensland, and first-up will be the Sires Produce Stakes. Walker is confident of a showing.

"I'm very pleased with the way he's come up. He's 25kg heavier than when he won at Matamata in February and it is not just condition, that is solid muscle."

Darci Brahma will be ridden in Australia by Scott Seamer, who made a flying trip to New Zealand to pilot the colt into second behind Mi Jubilee in the group-one Ellerslie Sires Produce Stakes.

Saturday's rider, Lisa Cropp, was impressed. "He's a dream to ride, you can put him anywhere you want and he'll sprint the minute you ask him."

His performance was deceptive.

"He had a bit left and there is a lot of improvement in him out of this race."

Later in the programme Cropp took her season total to 147 when she guided Star of Rio to victory over the well-supported Cog Hill in the open sprint.

Even though clearly the fitter of the pair, Star Of Rio was impressive, but Cog Hill is one to stay with.