Comeback guy Akuta has many fans but gals holding driving licences are special among them and Brooke Wilkins hopes that holds true at Alexandra Park on Friday.
Looking for her first driving success in New Zealand, she has been handed the reins behind the former superstar in his comeback race and at $1.35 (7.51) can have some confidence that that overdue milestone will be reached this week.
Akuta is a proven gentleman when it comes to female drivers. Just over two years ago Mark handed the reins to Olivia Thornley for the crucial New Zealand Cup leadup,the Ashburton Flying Stakes, when he was under suspension.
Olivia. Smooth combination with Akuta on last campaign
There was quite a lot of speculation about how the combination would get on,especially given the standing start. “Kuta” never turned a hair,Olivia gave him the run of the race and the combo scored handsomely. A short time later Olivia was retained for the more difficult task of guiding the star around the tight Kaikoura track- and delivered on that too.
Now it is Brooke’s turn to be done a favour and Nathan is confident the horse is ready for a winning run.
“We brought him to Auckland as planned for a good hitout last week and he was very good. Couldn’t fault the work.Even though it is a long time since he raced (December 2023) he is probably as ready as he can be without racing. He will improve but we are very happy with where he is at”
Nathan also thinks Treacherous Baby (Harrison Orange) should be at least in the multiples with the favourite given any luck.
Brooke. Hoping Kuta’s affection for female drivers works again
While Nathan has no argument with the odds in that race he wonders whether punters quite have it right in the two year old event (6.17) where Mark’s drive Georgies Best is at $1.75 while the filly River (Zac Butcher) is at $4.60.
“ I am a little bit surprised. Georgies Best is a promising youngster but he is not the sort of two year old who can expect to just get up and go first up. I think he will go close but he is going to be better with time.In fact I favour the filly because she has the race practice behind her and has done well in her buildup”
Mark is hoping he has not only done Brooke a favour with his generous gesture but also that he can do one for Tony Shaw,his partner in Akuta, who makes a long overdue comeback in the training ranks with Wotsonyamind (7.14), kept safe at $4 fresh from a tricky gate.
Tony has managed Akuta for Mark, hence the gifted share, and doubtless Wotsonyamind has been a hopple partner for his more illustrious mate for some time. Given Tony Shaw’s outstanding skills as a horseman a bold run can be expected,with more to come.
**Alecto and Andretti are recent triallists for the stable, Andretti winning and Alecto close up and it is her Nathan feels might be the sharper at this stage.
“Andretti was good but probably going to take a little longer than the filly as far as raceday goes.She has the background and a good leadup to be making her mark sooner”
PIC: Andretti, here getting early education from Alison Ward shapes for the future for Jean Feiss. River runs this week