Fifteen Go To Post For Railway

The G1 Sistema Railway S. at Ellerslie in New Zealand on Monday kicks off the top level action for 2018 and a field of 15 sprinters will go to post for the 1200m event. Last year's winner Start Wondering (NZ) (Eighth Wonder {NZ}) lines up again to defend his crown and following his victory in the race twelve months ago he added to his Group 1 tally when winning the G1 NRM Sprint at Te Rapa in February. Two unsuccessful starts then followed at the top level in Australia before the gelding took in a six month spell before reappearing with an encouraging second in a listed race at Otaki Dec. 1. He warmed up further when running third in a barrier trial at Foxton Dec. 12 and he should be cherry ripe for a repeat win despite the significant impost of 59kg which requires him to give up to six kilos to his rivals. Fully Funded (NZ) (Fully Fledged {NZ}) arrives to the race in good form having won a listed race at Pukekohe on his last start Nov. 25 but his overall record in stakes company leaves him with a bit to find. Ferrando (NZ) (Fast 'n' Famous {Aus}) is another who has been plying his trade at a lower level since winning the G3 Mongolian Khan Trophy at Ellerslie in March but he also arrives in winning form having scored at Te Rapa two weeks ago.