Solidify can solidify NZ’s position in Aust with bold showing in Brisbane

• Published date: 27 May 2023
• Author: Michael Guerin
• Publication title: Weekend Herald

If he does he will also step further out of the mammoth shadow of stablemate Sharp ‘N’ Smart, who he is already being linked to after an impressive start to his career

Sharp ‘N’ Smart emerged from obscurity this time last year with a promising Queensland campaign before going on to win three Group 1s as a three-year-old, and Solidify is being compared with his stablemate as both are later-maturing juveniles by Westbury Stud stallion Redwood and trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson.

Like Sharp ‘N’ Smart, Solidify has hit the line hard in his juvenile starts to earn his trip to Eagle Farm today. But for all his talent, Sharp ‘N’ Smart didn’t win at this carnival last year and he is not alone, as very few New Zealand-trained juveniles win major races in Australia.

There are occasional exceptions such as McGinty, Darci Brahma and Sacred Elixir, but while New Zealand horses have dominated the three-year-old races in Australia this season and had stunning success in Group 1 sprints with Roch ‘N’ Horse and Imperatriz, juvenile race wins are few and far between.

Solidify could change that as he should relish 1400m at Eagle Farm, and Queensland carnival juvenile racing often lacks the stars of the crop who all needed a rest after the Sydney carnival.

Solidify...