Not a change of stable but a change of environment as Don’t Stop Dreaming’s NZ Cup prep takes another turn.
He will head north this week to be trained by Mark at Matamata, a tough call by Nathan but one that puts the horse first.
“I left it up to Nathan as his decision not mine” Mark said
The latter had been in the south at the weekend to help train the team and cast an eye over the youngster’s progress.
“He has never been an easy horse to train. Some days he is fine others not so good. He is a high maintenance horse. Nath had a think about what was best given all involved and decided the best solution was if he were up with me ” Mark said.
Don’t Stop Dreaming had been causing concern with minor setbacks interrupting his New Zealand Cup prep.and given his special needs the facilities close by to the Matamata branch of the stable was the deciding factor in the decision.
“He’s still very much in the Cup frame. It will just be easier all round if he is up here close to expert help. Nathan has plenty on his plate as it is and he is doing a great job of it”
Don’t Stop Dreaming’s strong run behind Leap To Fame in the Hunter Cup makes him one of the leading “defence” prospects as the champion Australian seeks to add the New Zealand Cup to his list.
“We haven’t got as far as mapping out a race programme for him.Just want to get him up here safely and work on giving him his best chance to win a race like the Cup.”