Mark is making no bold predictions over outcomes on Cup Day but is satisfied the team will acquit itself well.
“Yes smaller than the teams we used to have but all of them have some chance of winning in what are some very interesting races”
OSCAR BONAVENA is out to defend his Dominion title and apart from a big field a tough draw and Aussie champion Just Believe everything is tickety boo.
“He is very well, he is working up to last year’s level but obviously it will be a different sort of race. I think he can do more work this time in but from there he will need to. I am very happy with his condition”
Oscar Strides out for another Dominion
Perhaps surprisingly considering it was different up to 4 weeks ago,Mark’s son Michael provides a challenge with MYSTIC MAX.
“The draw is in his favour and while Just Believe (of whom Mark was an early disciple in Australa) would seem likely to win if things go his way.Mystic Max can get some of it for sure”
Nor does he discount Bet n Win on lack of experiece.
“I think he has had enough practice at that level to manage it but it is not going to be so easy from that draw for him.There are a few there who will be struggling. One for All has looked ok in Australia but he didn’t trot that well at Kaikoura. Ours are ready to go”
The Sires Stakes is complicated by barrier draws even though in the long history of the race there has been a wide spread of winning numbers and while DEMON BLUE has a handy gate which Mark believes will help him he puts a silver lining on the cloud Blair faces with Rubira’s second row gate.
Mystic Max Strides out before his final Dominion work on Sunday
“If Tony (Cameron) holds the front (Captain Sampson) there could be an opportunity for Rubira to slot in somewhere handy. I think Market place has to go forward from that gate (8). There are some slower horses inside who might be a problem dropping back”
Mark has won the three year old verson of the race then held on Cup Day from 8 with a youngster called Auckland Reactor and early sprints for position have often paid off in sprint races for youngsters.
” I would have had Captain Sampson as hardest to beat on what I saw of him in the north but I understand he has had a trial that was not all it might have been so it may have something to do with the change of environment”
Our pair worked up well this morning. When I first drove Demon Blue is was fairly easy on him because I thought he was better with a softer run but lately I have ben asking him for more and he has handled it well.”
Then of course comes the Cup and a rare occasion in recent years the Purdon stable does not have the favourite.
Don’t Stop Dreaming worked on the straight course with a galloping pacemaker the last lap in 58 clear of the GP and doing it well.
“It was a good trial.He has been doing well in the last month and is in a good space.Is he good enough to win? I think he is but he would need things his way and maybe a few things go wrong for some.He is probably in the Cruz Bromac class of stayer and he won with the right run so he is in it. Swayzee wasn’t due to Sunday night which makes it tough for him. I think the horse to beat is Merlin.. He’s had a great prep and he comes in a few spaces. ”
What sort of run would he like to see for Blair ?
“I wouldn’t mind if he went to the front. Good gate and sharp beginner. The way the race unfolds it could work out well?.But its up to Blair”
Mark also contributes the upset factor in the form of Mo’unga.
“The gate gives him the ideal chance to get another soft run.He won the Kaikoura Cup easily and he can sprint off a trail.I don’t suppose he is really an upset but he can be in the finish.”
Don’t Stop Dreaming-story of the spring if he can win Tuesday
From the man who has won eight New Zealand Cups its a valuable pointer
But it will also be a surprise if the blue and silver stars aren’t featuring somewhere along the way too
Final workouts
Mystic Max 1600+ in 3.18 last 800 61
Oscar Bonavena (GP) 3200 in 4.35 home in 1.03
Don’t Stop Dreaming (GP) straight 800m (5 trips)
15-12-8-4 -58
Rubira and Demon Blue straight 800 5 trips
16-12- 8-5-2