CHASE A DREAM, somewhat of the forgotten horse among New Zealand Cup possibilities this spring,is due to return to the trials next week and is then likely to resume racing at Addington on October 10.
“He is progressing well but no definite decision has been made about his November programme until we assess his raceday progress” Nathan said.
Chase a Dream has not raced since moderate runs in the Roy Purdon Memorial and the NZ Messenger in April/May after a big run in The Race by Betcha and a win in the Waikato Flying Mile.
There did not appear to be anything amiss at the time. He has since been gelded and spelled but has been in work for some time in the north and latterly in Canterbury.
“He has built up well and will probably have just the one trial” said Nathan. Purdon horses usually have two.
“There is a handicap race that should suit him on October 10th. He could possibly go to the Canterbury Classic after that (October 17) and probably Kaikoura.
It won’t be until then we make the call as to whether he goes to the Cup or the Junior Free for All”
Chase a Dream is at $21 for the Cup ($8 with faves out),short enough odds on his recent form but indicative of a bold effort with his best.
He was spelled after running well below his best in the NZ Derby last December only resuming in March.
The winner of over $650,000 he has only had six starts this season and a renewed vigour in his attitude could see him quickly make a mark in the second half.
The news is not so good for rising two year old GEORGIE BEST a defection from his Sires Stakes debut at Auckland on Friday.
“He has had a leg blow up a bit. He is not sore on it but it doesn’t look great and further scans are needed to find out how serious it is. The timing is not great.We can just hope for the best.” Nathan said.
That leaves ANDRETTI (8:23 $8) as the stable rep in the race and Nathan admits to some wariness on his chances.
“He is working ok and racing ok but he has yet to show us what he looked capable of earlier on. He gave high promise then but it hasn’t appeared yet in this campaign. He has been gelded though he still acts a bit like a colt. He had an excuse last start but a very good horse would have won it even so. He could be just going through a stage. We will see how he comes out of this one”
That leaves another query -setter LOOK TO DA STARS also on trial at Alexandra Park on Friday.
“Dad has been working him this week.Very pleased with him Monday.Not quite so happy with him Wednesday when he didn’t trot quite as smoothly. We are looking to him to step up in the near future”