The stage is set for success on both sides of the Tasman this weekend.
The main focus is in Melbourne where (The Real) Sherlock (pictured,outer) runs in the $150,000 Vicbred Final having drawn a tricky gate at 6,similar to his gate in the semi when he had to work hard early.
Also featuring is We Can Have It All in the $100,000 Vicbred Final for two year old trotters. Mark reports Nathan is particularly happy with the young Volstead trotter and he has drawn the ace gate.
We will be talking to Nathan before Saturday.
Meanwhile at Addington on Friday and Oamaru on Sunday the local team will be busy.
Look To Da Stars is first up for the stable at Addington and while Mark is hopeful he is not expecting stars to fall to earth over the run.
“Going well enough and is fairly solid. I’m not sure a win chance but could place. He lacks the brilliance of some at this stage so but it could be different with more time on his side”
Franco Indie looks a stronger chance, Mark feels. “He’s been off the scene for quite a while but his trials have been good and the way he is training I think he should go close”
There was nothing amiss with the horse when sent out for a lengthy spell. Natalie felt it was the best thing for him in the long term
On Sunday Anything Goes faces up to the Hannon Memorial on a step toward the NZ Cup but Mark feels he has to take a step up to compete at that level.
“He’s very competitive against the horses he is racing now but it will get tougher from now on and that will be at test.
His problem at the moment is his standing starts. He is just a little tardy and that is proving costly. If he can improve on that on Sunday he will be right in it.”
With Self Assured and Akuta resuming on the 29th, time is running out for the aspiring stars to stake their claims.
Major Hot and Chase a Dream line up in the same race with Major Hot’s experience being the big difference.
“Chase a Dream has trialled well. He has potential but I am not sure he can win first up. But he won’t take long to make his mark”
Chase a Dream is a Captain Treacherous colt from Secret Lotion,a sister to the G1 winner Secret Potion a successful broodmare for Studholme Bloodstock.
Fourth runner is With Style (pictured inside Sherlock above) who gets back to a R53 limit race and who promises to be at very cramped odds in that company after racing at the highest level earlier.