Nathan was doubtful it was going to happen -but now he thinks he’s made it.
“Making it” in this case is preparing CHASE A DREAM for a first up win in the Harness Millions at Addington on Friday.
“It was a challenge because the timetable became quite tight and ideally he would have had a run before a race like that. But that did not turn out to be practical so we had to make the best of it. And I am fairly happy now that we could have done it”
The winner of nine of 14 starts and a horse who has caused his share of nice surprises during his short career,Chase a Dream has not raced since beating former stablemate We Walk By Faith and Cold Chisel in the Sires Stakes Final in April. But his latest trial at Rangiora with Nathan in the bike was a welcome sign all was well.
Chase a Dream
“Quite apart from the 55 and a bit 800 I was very happy the way he felt. He had made a mess of the start and took a while to catch them,then got a drag from Darci (Don’t Stop Dreaming) but he felt a million dollars. Darci got away from us a bit late sure but I could easily have stayed right on his back. Both went tops but Darci’s big targets are some time away while for this horse it was this week.
Where I might say Don’t Stop Dreaming was at 80 per cent of his best going into this week’s meeting I am quite confident now Chase a Dream is at or very close to 100”
Chase a Dream beat Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan’s star,Cold Chisel, first up in Auckland in February and the pair shuffled places in several later clashes.
They are getting acquainted again with the Purdon/Phelan stable having up to 14 horses based at Rolleston over the spring carnival,probably the biggest representation the stable has ever had on a Cup campaign
This time “Chase” has the edge over his rival from the gate and that gives Blair options about how he goes about adding to the youngster’s record.
Gates were a warm topic at Purdon Racing this week. After a mixed bag apart from Treacherous Baby last week,there were hopes fortunes would change but Chase a Dream is the only well drawn pacing contender and a victim is stablemate Vessem.
“He just has no luck in big races.So often has to do it tough and he is very willing. He had to work hard from the outside last week and faces another bad marble on Friday.”
Whereas Chase a Dream and Don’t Stop Dreaming worked together with pace yesterday Vessem was let off with some free legged work on his own quickening over the last bit. He has come through last week well but its another uphill battle for him behind some classy customers on Friday.
Nathan realises the draw is against Demon Blue but says it gives him a window of opportunity.
“He might get a run from there. He is a good horse who has done well and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran a big race”
Trackwork highlights Wednesday
Oscar Bonavena ran 3200m in 4.32 home in 1.02
Don’t Stop Dreaming and Chase a Dream behind a galloping pacemaker ran 2400 but accelerating from 2000 over all 3.16 last 800 in 60
Five Crowns had an edge over Without You over 2000 home in even time and Demon Blue ran identical fractions working well with a galloping pacemaker
Demon Blue ends his work behind GP.He is Mark’s drive in the Harness Millions
Vessem has a more relaxed day with some free legged work quickening late
Featured pic: Five Crowns, ready for big effort in a top field on Friday