Expect to see the real Akuta (Gambler’s delight) In today’s alabar kaikuura cup worth $100,000.
That’s the word from co-trainer Nathan Purdon as he and father Mark take two big favorites to the two open class races on the beautiful coastal circuit.
Oscar Bonavena is 15 meters behind in the White Morph South Bay Trotters Cup and Akuta is the even money favorite in the 100th edition of the Kaikoura Cup.
The millionaire pacer who won this race two years ago has had an up and down spring and Nathan says he, like many members of their southern team, struggled with allergies as the warmer weather arrived.
“Quite a few of them did that and that’s why he drove badly one night in Addington and then missed some work,” Purdon said.
“So last Monday he came up a bit short at Ashburton, but that race really got him.
“He needed that run, but he worked really well on Friday morning and I think we’ll see something like his best on Monday.”
Akuta stepped up and led well before handing over the floor to a rampant Republican Party last Monday, but Purdon says if he reaches the front today he expects his father to stay there.
“The way he worked on Friday, he’s ready to lead them.”
That suggests that only fellow millionaire Merlin and to a lesser extent Sooner The Bettor are proven enough to challenge Akuta and even if he is short in the market, you could make a case for backing him and saving on Merlin.
Nathan also expects Oscar Bonavena to improve on his fifth start in the Trotters Cup.
“He was clearly not at his best that night either, so we freshened him up and his work was good.
“He was unlucky not to win this race a few years ago when he was checked on the home corner, so we think he can handle the track. Although it is never easy to overcome a deficit in Kaikoura, I think with a bit of luck he can complete it.”
Today’s other event is the NZBS Sales Series Aged Classic, which will see The Lazarus Effect clearly beat the front line, while the meeting also features the fourth and fifth stages of the World Driving Championships.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Michael Guerinfor Harness Racing New Zealand
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