Mark has been back at Rolleston this week and is happy with how the new order is working out.
“Nathan has Blair to share the load with and his experience is so valuable and with Jeremy (Markham) added to the team it is looking good. Jeremy knows the routine well of course too. I will be back later in August and things will be getting more serious then”
He admits to surprise bordering on shock as the Don’t Stop Dreaming saga unfolded.
‘Luckily it seems resolved now both partners have been involved instead of one and we can look ahead to a good spring. It was especially hard on Nathan who was in the firing line but it seems to have turned out ok. An upset we didn’t really need though”
Mark is still adjusting to his new routine including his small team at Matamata.
“We get on the track at 10 am when the gallopers finish,the track staff are very helpful and the surface is in great order even after the gallopers have been on it.The horses are just doing light work at the moment so not a lot of news there.Millwood Nike is thriving but as I say nothing serious to judge on yet”
One reason for the timing of his trip was the seven horses at the trials at Addington on Monday who got through their tasks well,Anything Goes winning his heat with nice late splits. However Sherlock didn’t make it to the post.
“Nath thought he was a bit tender when he brought him in on Sunday and he was a little worse this morning so we will do some investigation on that”
Mark’s three gallopers are more advanced and he hopes they will be trialling for Glen Old by the end of August.
“They have all come up well and Buster Shaw seems to have a fan in his work rider. I am only playing a minor role but looking forward to what’s coming up in the spring”
Pic: Mr Kaplan and “new” stable driver,Blair Orange warm up at the trials