Nathan is still the inter-island trainer based at Pukekohe but he’s been keeping a weather eye on the the several southern runners this weekend from Friday at Addington to Kindergarten Stakes day in the deep south on Sunday.
“They went into Addington on Wednesday for a blow and all seems well with them” Nathan said
First up at Addington is PARAMOUNT PICTURE (5.38) not missed by punters at $1.80 with Frazzled from the Dunn stable the only rival with much betting interest. Raced by the Studholme/Gimblett partnership which has played such a role in the development of this family, the filly showed enough on debut here to earn an early breakthrough win on the way to higher things.
SECRET WISH (6.33) at $2.30 is up for back to back stable wins on her debut performance.
“We think a bit of Special Occasion as a a two year old and she ran a good placing to him.She is an emerging filly we feel and will go on to better things.She is drawn outside her main rival but is good enough to overcome. Probably our best of the weekend the way she is shaping”
VESSEM (7.28) is a hattrick hope for the stable though not missed by early punters now into $1.90 in a small field.
“We put him in this week because the 2600 will suit him and he won’t get too far away in a small field.He’s in a good place”
Brother Michael, carrying an increased load at the Rolleston base at the moment, has MYSTIC MAX off 20m in the 7.52 at $4.20.Like some others here he has been chasing Bet N Win in his last two and still has improvement. Punters are leaning toward Eurostyle first up off 10m on the strength of a bold recent trial. MM top 2 at $2.30 seems an appealing proposition and he is win capable.
At Auckland most interest will centre on how CHASE A DREAM steps up this week with big targets in view and the clash between rising star Bet n Win versus OSCAR BONAVENA in the Flying Trot.
“DEMON BLUE is in a race (to R51) you would expect him to win but you don’t get rich on it ($1.65). I agree that Oscar Bonavena seems a little over the odds ($2.80 v $1.60) compared to Bet n Win. He loves the mile races and is pretty well.The small field suits his style. He seems at least quite good value”
Its a big night for CHASE A DREAM who has been harbouring hopes of a spot in the upcoming big slot race at this track.
“He will have to go better than last week. But on reflection Dad felt he might have had an excuse” Nathan said
“When he reviewed he wondered if he had been a big easy on him. He skips over the Morrinsville track where he trains fairly easily and he may not have been as forward as Dad felt.He has stepped up his work this week and is pleased with the way he has taken it. Its a critical race for him considering the races coming up so we are looking for more”
Chase a Dream was at $20 on Thursday which represents quite a fall from grace from his peak form.
SPECIAL OCCASION looks hard to beat in the Kindergarten Stakes on Sunday at Wyndham and the stable is out to extend one of the most remarkable records in harness racing if he can do so.
He would become the 8th successive winner in the historic Group Two race and the 16th since 2000. These sorts of records have not been unknown in the All Stars era but none exceed this one.
“We think he’s pretty promising and expect a big run” Nathan says. So do punters who have him at $1.30.
The query horse for him on the day is MR KAPLAN in what appears to be an introductory Champagne Stakes for mares over one mile.
“She can be a difficult read at home and she missed some work in the leadup. But her workout was good on Wednesday and in her favour is that she often goes well with a fresheneder an is proven at the trip. She has drawn inside Lakelsa and might offer some each way value on the day”
FIVE CROWNS has a difficult task in the Southern Surpremacy heat,Nathan feels.
” The gate is against him and he has drawn outside Captain Commodore who looks the one to beat. If he runs in three that will be a good pass mark”
PS The last 7 winners of the Kindergarten Stakes from Purdon Partnerships-RUBIRA,VESSEM,DON’T STOP DREAMING,AKUTA,FIRST CLASS,FLYING EVEN BETTOR,WAR DAN DELIGHT
PIC.MR KAPLAN -the mystery stable runner at Wyndham on Sunday