Mark had a successful run with his gallopers during the thoroughbred season ending up with a Strike Rate of 4.05-a healthy number among the stats for that code.
But it can’t top the Mark and Nathan harness stable who have had a lower profile than in the salad days but who are still producing the numbers. After the recent Australian campaign the stable has topped the $1m overall for the year to date and a SR of less than 4.00
They sit ninth on the trainer’s premiership from just 113 starters at this stage of the season, the second lowest number of starters of any of the top 10.The stable strike rate is in the top 3 of those with 100 starters or more at 3.6.
Season leaders Steve and Amanda Telfer,launching from both islands, have topped 100 winners for the season already with 460 starters and $1.55m. Robert and Jenna Dunn is the only other stable to top $1m in earnings though with many major races to come.
Mark and Nathan in spite of such few starters have fourth place on stakes won locally at $778,000. Rubira and Oscar Bonavena addedj $271,000 in Australia,Rubira winning over $A126,000. Don’t Stop Dreaming earned $A91,000 earlier in the year.
Nathan is looking forward to a lot more of the same with a youthful team shaping well the youngsters headed by Special Occasion and Andretti at this stage but less experienced ones due to show at trials and raceday.
“I guess you’d have to be happy where we are at at this stage of the season considering the numbers” Nathan said
Andretti.Expected to be major player for Jean Feiss among 3yo features coming up
“There are a couple of two year olds I would consider head the group at the moment but those two of ours would be well up in the chasing group and with plenty of potential. And with Akuta coming up so well and Rubira shaping like a major threat among the three year olds there is plenty to look forward to”
Rubira and Oscar Bonavena’s return flight was delayed and was now due to arrive on Wednesday so not leaving a lot of spare time if they are to make upcoming targets.
Nathan had originally planned to have five starters at the trials cancelled on Tuesday.
“It is still not looking too good up here weatherwise so we will have to see what eventuates”
Mark’s galloping squad is still pre-training and progress may be decided by spring harness schedules.
PIC: Bettor’s Delight. Legendary sire, huge factor in Purdon Racing success. Andretti may be one to add to the laurels