Mark heads south again this week on one of his regular visits to Rolleston as spring gathers momentum and it seems likely he will be driving THE BETTOR DEAL in his second run up in a race which also features FIVE CROWNS a dashing second on debut and LOUIE MASSINO making his debut.
“Dad will driving several team members in work on Saturday morning. It is good to have his input” Nathan said.
Nathan drove The Bettor Deal in a recent trial in which he perhaps ran below expectations and he was unruly at the gate on debut so Mark will be focussing on his being alert early out of the inside gate on Friday.
“He is just so laid back,and doesn’t know a lot but I think he will be a good developing young horse as the season goes on. He has the ability.” Nathan said.
He is expecting quite a bold showing from MR KAPLAN as she resumes later in the night. The mare caused something of a sensation when runner up to AllAmericanLover in the Group 1 Standardbred Breeders Stakes in February at her south debut for the stable and subsquently won two up to R70 events and was eased after running fourth in a R80 ceiling race.
“Her (2) trials have been good and she is working like she will make an impact” Nathan said.
Meanwhile MAJOR HOT is to remain in Australia for spring racing and when he returns will depend on his progress.
“My understanding is he will be aimed at the Victorian Derby and if he were to go a top race in that the Derby here might be considered for him” Nathan said of the Queensland Derby winner for caretaker trainers David and Stacey White.
His new trainer has not been formally announced here but the Fitzpatricks would seem to be favoured.
Mark’s elite team is still in the early stages of their preps but Millwood Nike and co are progressing according to schedule.
Pic A Bettor Deal and Five Crowns. They clash at Addington on Friday