Nathan is fresh off a big Sales week about which he is very happy but there is a word of warning regarding some of the team racing in New Zealand this weekend.
“Looking forward to it but we have some improvers who might not run up to their best fresh and punters should know that” Nathan said.
Highest on that list for Nathan is DEMON BLUE ($1.56) who looks a shots eye in the 7.59 at Alexandra Park on Friday.
He left for Auckland yesterday with WITHOUT YOU ($1.60 5.25) who looks a strong chance on the night but Nathan has reservations about Demon Blue after working him before he left
“He wasn’t as forward as I thought on his work. He looks a good bet but I think he really needs a race so I am just putting it out there” Nathan said
Vessem is in a similar situation at Addington -only better.
“When he had a hoof issue about a month ago he had a week off and he will be short of his best but of course he is good enough still to win. But I would be looking for him to be driven quietly and run home late because he has some big assignments coming up”
Skinny fields mean skinny odds for some Purdon Racing runners Thursday and Friday but there are bright spots for punters and the best value may be MIDNIGHT MIKI ( $4-6.39) at Addington who has a tricky draw.
“That’s right but he is very well and I think he will be coming into it when it counts”
THE BETTOR DEAL is cramped at $1.80 in R9 and his cause has been aided by scratchings easing his outside gate.
Nathan was pleased with the two year olds outing at Rangiora on Monday when SPECIAL OCCASION won in 2.32.5 and later SECRET WISH and STREETCAT quinellaed a later heat in lesser time.
“He is shaping up well. Probably have another trial next week and we will go from there” Nathan said of Special Occasion
OSCAR BONAVENA is entered at Menangle as a warmup ffor his big assignments coming up and starting next week.
PIC: VESSEM who resumes at Addington on Thursday.