A time honoured Purdon stable tradition was maintained on Thursday when six Cup week contenders did their thing on the Addington track in what were semi-final trials but the last big workout before the NZ Cup and Dominion Handicap along with Sires Stakes and Nevele R features on Tuesday.
DON’T STOP DREAMING and OSCAR BONAVENA worked in heats first out for a 2400m easy workout and last out behind a GP driven by Nathan to run 3.06 home in 56 and Blair had his last 400 in 26. They came home inside and outside the GP
Oscar Bonavena. Tricky draw in Dominion but dashing worker Thursday
Everyone seemed pleased with the way the Cup plans are going.
“Not so many horses but they are all doing well and that’s the main thing” said Mark who has been based at Rolleston this week. He drove Oscar, DEMON BLUE who worked with MR KAPLAN (Blair) over 2400m also with a GP and coming home strongly and then VESSEM who ran 3.06 and change with RUBIRA over 2400 home in 56.5.
As is usual with the team these were pre-set times so the good feel all the horses gave Blair and Mark was important.
Blair carried a whip on Don’t Stop Dreaming as a guide to ensure there would be no loitering and pronounced himself happy with the outcome.
“What I expected and he was sharp. I got him home in 26 and he was out in the middle of the track”
Nathan said Don’t Stop Dreaming would be restricted from now to one serious workout,down the straight track on Sunday.
Rubira and Vessem were strong last 800 close to 56 and cruising
“The pressure is growing but so far so good”
“I was thrilled with CHASE A DREAM at the trials. He shaped well and handled the standing start so is on target for next Friday”
Rubira provided a little piece of drama when he got off balance returning to the barn and sprawled on the ground. Jeremy and Brooke were immediately on the scene to calm him until the cart could be removed and he emerged unscathed.
The Rolleston stable is looking like a suburb with the last two arrivals -from Australia- due on Thursday. About 18 extra horses along with personnel are on the scene.
Mr Kaplan. No race Tuesday but snappy work with Demon Blue
“Its got a bit crowded” Nathan said. “Not the horses but the people-there are a lot around the place at the moment!”
The team has not been well treated with gates on Tuesday overall for stars like TREACHEROUS BABY,OSCAR RUBIRA etc but with experts in the respective carts they can be overcome.
Look for update Sunday