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Genius late Group One entry; Sampson out of Cup; 3YO sharp on debut; Better from Boban.

Genius late Group One entry

First day Trentham winner Genius is a late nomination for Saturday’s Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile.

Bred and raced by Waikato Stud, she is in foal to Pins and pending motherhood has brought out the best in the Savabeel mare, who has won three of her four starts this preparation for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.

Genius holds a rating of 77 and wouldn’t be sure of a Thorndon start with the Douro Cup an option if she doesn’t make the Group One line-up.

Quality mares Pondarosa Miss and Soriano have also been late Thorndon entries.

Sampson out of Cup

Progressive stayer Sampson has been withdrawn from Saturday’s Gr.2 Platinum Homes Wellington Cup.

Trainer Howie Mathews made the decision shortly after the gelding turned in a poor run when unplaced in Monday’s Cup Prelude.

Sampson had previously finished fourth in the Gr.3 City of Auckland Cup to earn himself a $14 quote for the cup.

Despite a disappointing end, it has still been a rewarding campaign for the five-year-old with wins at Trentham, Otaki and Wanganui.

3YO sharp on debut

Notting Hill looked capable of making his mark in better company following a strong debut win at Trentham on Anniversary Day.

Trained by his part-owner David Goldsbury and ridden by his daughter Rebecca, the son of Don Eduardo bounced straight to the front and was never headed.

“That was the plan to get down to the rail early,” Goldsbury said. “I’d like to step him up over more ground and have a crack at one of the better three-year-old races later on.”

Better from Boban

Boban turned in an encouraging performance when winning a 900 metre trial at Rosehill on Tuesday morning.

He has been a multiple Group one winner for his expatriate Kiwi trainer Chris Waller, but bled when unplaced in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last autumn.

Boban was unable to produce a top three finish when he returned for four appearances during a spring campaign.