No doubt about it,VESSEM was disappointing at Addington last start and nobody knew that better than Nathan.
“I excused his previous run.It was disappointing too but there were reasons.He had not had race opportunities and things just hadn’t panned out for him.He needed that. But last week I expected a lot better and he didn’t deliver. ”
Nathan has been back to the drawing board with Vessem back to doing plenty of galloping between races.
“He is so laid back it is hard to get a line on his work. He does it well enough to get a pass mark and give you confidence and then it doesn’t show racenight.So he has gone back to more of the galloping which he seems to enjoy and I am hopeful he will be better this week.
Jeremy gives Vessem some free legged and galloping exercise at Rolleston
Not saying he is going to win the Derby or anything.But with plenty of racing coming up I think at his best he could be somewhere up close”
Nathan has no such doubts about DON’T STOP DREAMING in the $200,000 Christian Cullen Classic and is pleased with the ace gate.
“He’s a sharp beginner and he gets options from there. It looks like a battle between him and Merlin and what happens in the run is the key so we are well placed. He was tired for about a day after the Cup and was soon back to normal. He is holding up well all things considered and is ready for a big race on his work”
Nathan has indicated “Darci” may run in the Invercargill Cup after this but awaits how he pulls up before final decisions. An Australian campaign would seem to appeal on last year’s form but that is also yet to be confirmed.
Pic.
Vessem Working with Rubira in Impressive Fashion leading in to Cup week.