Michael Purdon is looking forward to a season which at best will be one of real excitement -or at worst one of solid progress.
On Friday his trotter, Mystic Max, kicks off on what could become a Dominion Handicap mission. Next week No Matter Wat which he races in partnership with Studholme Bloodstock and who is trained by Mark and Nathan, kicks off a spring campaign which, if the dream comes true, could end in a tilt at the New Zealand Cup.
Even if all that doesn’t eventuate No Matter Wat can still do for Purdon Racing what no mare could do for predecessor All Stars in 2022
Last season the then All Stars Stable runners won nearly every pacing age and sex division by stakes won. Millwood Nike,Don’t Stop Dreaming,True Fantasy,Akuta and Self Assured all headed their various categories.
The one missing was the 4yo+ mares division.What is worse the stable didn’t even have one in the Top 10.
When names like Adore Me, Dream About Me, Elle Mac and Amazing Dream feature as past winners among the four year olds it is something of a comedown- but No Matter Wat is out to turn that around.
Mark was impressed with her trial last week and she resumes in an ideal race next Friday a fillies and mares event for up to R65.
“My partner Allie (Ward,who recently trained her own first winner) looks after her and drives most of her work and she is happy with how things are going” said Michael
That was not always so.
“After the Grins Race up north we had her gone over up there and it was a question of what wasn’t wrong rather than what was. She was treated and spelled but she came back quite early because she seems to do better in the stable and there were suitable races fairly early in the spring.”
No Matter Wat looked a handful leading into her NZ Oaks triumph but Michael says that’s misleading.
“I think things just got to her that day the crowd and everything. Actually she is good to do anything with and she has matured since then as well.”
Her main aim is the spring mare’s races but Michael said they may “throw in a nomination” for the New Zealand Cup if she races up to expectations.
Mystic Max is forward for Friday’s resumption though he will improve with the run. With regular driver Blair away to the World’s Natalie takes the drive.
“He has improvement but he has been trialling well and he is off a handy mark. Yes, the Dominion Handicap is on the wish list but if he is not ready for that until next year I am happy to wait. Its up to him to show us whether he is up to it this season. I am sure he will be one day”
Pic: Michael and Mystic Max