STEPHEN MARSH LINES UP TARDELLI FOR A CRACK AT THE QUEENSLAND GUINEAS

By Darren Winningham | Thursday, April 24, 2025

New Zealand based trainer Stephen Marsh is currently in Hong Kong overseeing the final preparation of his HK$28 million FWD QEII Cup runner El Vencedor for the big day on Sunday, but his stable also has designs on making an impact on the upcoming Queensland Winter Carnival and the movement towards that goal also starts on Sunday when Tardelli will leave his home base and head for Brisbane. HRO's WINNO caught up with Marsh at Sha Tin.

WINNO: I believe you are bringing one to the Brisbane Carnival.”

SM: “Absolutely! We always like sneaking one over to the Brisbane Carnival. Tardelli … he’ll come over. He just got beaten narrowly against the older horses in the Easter Handicap on Saturday. He'll fly over this Sunday, and he'll race in the Queensland Guineas.

WINNO: “Have you got a rider in mind?”

SM: “Michael McNabb will come over. He's been his regular ride in New Zealand. He'll come over. He's more than happy to ride him, so it’s good to have him stick with the ship.”

WINNO: “The Eagle Farm track … the track usually holds up pretty firm, even if there is a bit of rain around. There has been plenty of rain around recently though.

SM:“If the Eagle Farm track is firm it will suit us. Your weather over there has been more like New Zealand … but, yeah, he wants a good, form surface and hopefully Eagle Farm will suit.”

WINNO: “Mate, it is always terrible when you guys come over and steal our money from Australia and run back home to home to New Zealand with it.”

SM: “Well, we need it a lot more than you guys. You’ve got plenty over there.”

WINNO: “All the best, mate. Look forward to seeing you in Brisbane.”

SM:: “Appreciate it. Cheers.”

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