Natalie will be restored to the drive on DON’T STOP DREAMING in Friday’s Free for All at Alexandra Park and will also be his driver in the Race For Grins next month after his starting position was confirmed this week
That means Mark will be on his old associate SELF ASSURED in both races initially with the ace draw on Friday.
“I wasn’t going to start Don’t Stop Dreaming this week so soon after the Miracle Mile and the travelling home but his condition means I am happy to see him run again.
He has actually put on weight since he got home and I think the cooler weather is the key to it. So he is fine to race and it shows me he is handling the racing”
“If I had taken the run Sooner the Bettor took, and there was an option there down on the inside I think we would have been a lot closer.”
Natalie had success in two drives behind Don’t Stop Dreaming last year winning a heat and the G1 final of the Sires Stakes and won the Harness Millions Final behind him in Auckland last month.
WE WALK BY FAITH who disappointed at odds on in the NSW Derby is also doing well and with a clear bill of health he is a strong candidate.
“I was a little disappointed with CHASE A DREAM last week” Mark said.
“It was in difficult conditions and it was a sprint home but I thought he was entitled to get to Major Hot in the run home”
Natalie will replace Mark this week but Chase a Dream has a tricky 2nd line draw where We Walk By Faith has a handy gate on the front line.
On the other hand Mark is not overly optimistic about the chances of TREACHEROUS BABE in the Pascoe Oaks where she also has a 2nd line draw.
“In a small field and a staying distance I would not be that worried about the gate but I think there are two or three there who have an edge on her at the moment.”
JOLIMONT Mark’s in form free lance drive for the Arna Donnelly stable has a a tricky draw also on the inside of the 2nd row.
The good news yesterday was the solid trial by Mark’s young Tivaci youngster OUR BEAU at the Riccarton trials. The youngster could probably have won but new dad rider Kin Kwo allowed him to ease over the closing stages.
“I have spoken to Kerry (Prendergast) and she is very happy” Auckland-based Mark said.
“We may run him at Riverton on the 30th and he will then join the others in the spelling paddock”