Cambridge trainer Roger James has four runners at Taupo on Friday, with most interest focused on debutant colts The Austrian Oak and Mongolian Hero in the Annie Higgins 1200.
Thorn Park colt The Austrian Oak is rated a $12 equal third favourite for the Gr. 1 Sothys 2000 NZ Guineas in November with Savabeel colt Mongolian Hero a $51 chance for the same race.
James said The Austrian Oak was a big horse and might find the tight-turning Taupo track unsuitable, while the 1200 metres was likely to be too short for Mongolian Hero.
On The Austrian Oak, James said: "He's above average and he'll run a race."
James' other two Taupo runners are Itsonlymakebelieve and Ruby Tuesday.
- The Informant
