It’s all systems go for CAPTAIN ROY at Riccarton Saturday as Mark shoots for hi inaugural win in the thoroughbred code. He is confident the Savabeel colt will go close.
“He didn’t have everything in his favour first up but still went well. I have been pleased with the way he has gone since. The field is very similar so you would hope with a bit more luck and the benefit of that experience he should be hard to beat”
On that run the only unknown factor is the Te Akau runner Dream of the Moon whose heavily backed debut failure was put down to the heavy track.
However Captain Roy is also likely to be better on the firmer footing Savabeel stock usually prefer.
“You can only go on what you assess on the ground wth some input from the riders and it is different from the driving and the clocks giving you a precise assessment of where you at along with the feel.But the challenge is what I enjoy”
Mark,who is finding it is “head hitting the pillow” night routine at the moment driving work and attending to his gallops team and with big meetings in the offer, , faces another challenge Monday when AKUTA and OSCAR BONAVENA , in whom he shares an owner interest are among the line up at Kaikoura.
“Akuta’s draw (2) is not perhaps ideal at Kaikoura but it is better than 1 for him. On the other hand Self Assured will be ok from the inside”
“Akuta is at least a length better than last year which is not a surprise while Self Assured is more where he was as you would also expect after his achievements and age. He will get better and we are quite happy with him. But you have to say Akuta,given a safe start,will take beating again” said Mark the trainer of 10 previous Kaikoura Cup winners.
Many of those have gone on to win/place in the NZ Trotting Cup at their next start.
Mark is hoping to put his name alongside co-owner Barry as a successful trainer of gallopers in the meantime.
Maybe its this time