Spur shooting for another win at Eagle Farm races
Nikau Spur is not eligible for the Magic Millions wildcard that is on offer in Saturday’s Shoot Out at Eagle Farm, but that won’t prevent Corey and Kylie Geran from chasing another win with him.
The rejuvenated eight-year-old will have his 13th start since April in the $125,000 event over 2100 metres.
Being bred in New Zealand and offered for sale at Karaka renders the son of Proisir ineligible for the Magic Millions wildcard, but The Shoot Out shapes as the most suitable option after a successful two-start raid on New South Wales.
“He’s had his last two starts at Newcastle and Randwick and I wasn’t really sure what to do with him, but we got him home and he’s as well as ever,” Corey Geran said.
“Even if he was to win, he can’t get in the Magic Millions race because he was put through Karaka as a yearling, but there’s just not many other options for him.
“We’ll just keep trying to pick off the races can we find with him because he’s absolutely in career-best form.”
It took Nikau Spur nine starts to break through this year, but did so in the Listed Queensland Cup (2400m) on October 12 and posted another victory two starts later in The Beauford (2300m) at Newcastle.
His only start since was a third placing in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) at Randwick on December 14.
It has only been this preparation that Nikau Spur, who started his career in Australia with Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, has got out beyond 2200m, which has Geran confident of him handling the drop back 300m in trip this weekend.
The Toowoomba trainer considers drawing barrier six and being reunited with Mark Du Plessis as positives.
“I think the barrier is really important for him, it should get him a bit of cover,” Geran said.
“As long as there’s a bit of pace on, just a genuinely-run race, he should lob in a good spot and Mark gets back on and he’s won three races on him.”
Nikau Spur is a $13 chance in betting on The Shoot Out, which is headed by Kerchak ($4.20) and Belvedere Boys ($4.60)
More Racing News
Mr consistency heads to the 2026 Ballarat Cup
Ocean Beyond might not always warm the hearts of punters, but he remains an exceptionally consistent earner for his connections. The Simon Ryan-trained gelding will attempt to secure his biggest payday yet when he contests the $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) on Saturday, entering the race with more than $535,000 already...
Bar raised for in-form colt Swift Legend
Swift Legend has earned his opportunity in stronger company after back-to-back midweek victories, but jockey Jason Collett remains cautious as the colt continues to mature. The Dundeel youngster lines up in Sunday’s Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill, stepping out from recent wins at Warwick Farm and Canterbury. Collett says...
Inhabit out to book a 2026 Magic Millions Classic trip
Unbeaten filly Inhabit will be racing for a Magic Millions berth when she steps out again on Saturday. A stylish debut winner at Murray Bridge in October, she now lines up in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Two-Year-Old Plate (1000m) at Morphettville Parks. Her assignment has been simplified with three scratchings, leaving...
Tommy Berry to test the summer carnival waters in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Tommy Berry will be a key figure in Brisbane this weekend as he reunites with Caballus, while also unveiling a valuable Magic Millions hopeful. Berry’s association with Caballus includes a Flemington stakes win two starts ago, prior to the sprinter backing up into the Champions Sprint, where he was unplaced behind...
Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa
Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team. The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to...
SA raider Promises Kept chases 2025 Ballarat Cup
Trainer Michael Hickmott is confident that new stable acquisition Promises Kept can give his owners plenty to look forward to over the next fortnight. The gelding heads east for Saturday’s Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) and may then target the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) seven days later. Previously trained by Greg Eurell and...
Michael Dee makes Ascot return for Apulia in 2025 Northerly Stakes
Group 1-winning jockey Michael Dee is set to make a rare Perth appearance as he chases more elite-level success aboard Apulia. Dee will ride the Lindsay Park-trained entire in the Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, marking his first visit to the track since November 2018. The Victorian lightweight has a strong record...
Son of ill-fated stallion St Jean scores impressive debut win
Melek, a staying-bred son of St Jean, made the perfect start to his racing career with a determined win over the mile at Caulfield Heath on Wednesday. The Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old debuted in the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1600m) and made an immediate impact. Starting at $4.20 after firming late, Melek charged...
Weather prompts Rosehill races transfer
Saturday’s Rosehill race meeting will now be held on Sunday after Racing NSW moved to avoid anticipated extreme heat across Sydney, with temperatures set to surge past 40 degrees. Racing NSW stewards had tracked forecasts closely all week and, with no relief in sight, chief steward Tom Moxon confirmed the rescheduling...
Slick return has Lubrication ready to rumble in 2025 George Moore Stakes
Lubrication has put his hand up for a strong summer campaign after a powerhouse first-up performance that sends him into the Group Three George Moore Stakes at Doomben full of confidence. The gelding enjoyed a breakout moment in May when winning the $1 million The Archer (1300m) at Rockhampton, defeating future...