It looked a very ordinary run a Addington last Friday and Mark initially to admitted to some mystery about aspects of WITHOUT YOU’s form in her Sires Stakes heat especially with a view to the Harness Millions Stakes coming up this week.
It soon became clear to the filly’s handlers that something was a little amiss. But to Without You at the same time it became very suddenly a lot less clear.
That was because one of her eyes had started closing-fast. It closed completley in the end and stayed that way for a few days.
“She must have copped something in the eye. Hard to say what Her eye closed and stayed like that for a couple of days.So she could be excused that run” Mark said.
Without You has been racing well and the Friday run ws right out of character. So expect a much improved run in the Millions.
If stable hopes come true in fact it could be an “eye opener”
Mark took a generous view of other stable performances on the night when some may not have quite come up to punter expectations.
“I thought Rubira was very good considering the work he had to do. In fact I thought it was as good as the winner. He went well but he had done no early work like Rubira had done and he still fought on well. Midnight Miki had done a lot too and he fought on really strongly and Vessem showed his class in a right finish after having to come from the back in the open. They should be better again this week”
The same must be said of Oscar who might have lost a few fans for the Canterbury Park Trotting Cup tho Mark is not among them.
“I was pleased with him. He only had half a trial up north and because we look after his knees and hocks we had to sit out a week or more because of the rules which I don’t think are necessary so he missed another trial up there.Given that he really needed that run and so was very keen. He will have a stronger bit on him this week just to keen him in order but he is progressing well.”
Mark worked DON’T STOP DREAMING on Saturday and was pleased there too.
“He’s in a good place. Obviously he is lacking the racing of some but going forward we are very hopeful”
Then there was the impressive TREACHEROUS BABY, not in this week, who showed off her sprinting powers in capital letters.
“She has come on quite a lot and it should continue”
Moments Lke This is due to trial Tuesday at Rangiora with a big team being readed for the Harness Millions night on Friday.