After some consideration Nathan feels that MR KAPLAN ($3.40) (Pic) might end up the stable best value at Addington Friday night even though THE CON ARTIST ($2.10) dominates the betting in an earlier race for maidens with two stablemates to oppose and VESSEM is a $2.50 favourite later in the night.
Mr Kaplan had what seemed a lacklustre trial last week setting at the back and not making a lot of progress but that was on Nathan’s strict instructions.
“She had missed some work,then she had a bad blood that meant missing some more and she had worked up well leading into the trial. I didn’t want to see a hard trial after that, and she has worked fine since then. She seems the best one in the field (up to R70) and I would be surprised if she didn’t come up with a top run the way she feels”
He feels the market has it right earlier in the night, following the lead of Blair Orange who steers The Con Artist.
“The Better Deal is making good progress and it won’t be long before he really makes his mark but as of this week The Con Artist has an edge among ours. Midnight Miki ($31)has a bit to learn but I reckon after a few starts when he clicks on he will be a different horse”
Vessem trialled with intent last week and nobody will be surprised to see a winning turn even though there is improvement there
An interesting entry is Luby’s Luck the stable’s contender in the lucrative young trotter’s lineup. Nathan has hopes and some reservation.
“Not quite as happy as I was six months ago but things on the up. She is working up ok and while improvement there a good showing won’t surprise me” Nathan said.
The “Luby” family,close to an all American pedigree have usually been most notable as juvenile and three year old performers and this What the Hill filly should be no exception.
“Overall if I had to go with one it is probably Mr Kaplan given the sort of race she is in”