Flying Bird and Smoke On The Water gave Purvis a quinella in the Reefton Cup on December 30 and a repeat cannot be ruled out as the pair are currently the first and second favorites in the market.
Since then, Smoke On The Water has had a revamp, while Flying Bird was only narrowly defeated on Friday.
“She’s knocking on the door to get a race like this,” Purvis said.
Flying Bird was a bit unlucky on the first day after clearing a pocket late in the drive home before being hit late on by the fast-finishing Misty Blue.
“She was held up the first day and it cost her.”
Purvis is happy that Flying Bird can handle the 2850 meter ascent.
“A little extra distance would suit her. As long as she steps well, she shouldn’t be far away. She’s really good, eaten up and looks smart.”
Kyle Cameron will be driving the ride.
Purvis’ other runner Smoke On The Water will have to use all his manners and class to win his 40m handicap with driver Robbie Close. He hasn’t been seen since he showed his speed in the Reefton Cup when he looped through the field from the 300 meters to win in style.
‘He jumps out of his skin.
“Forty meters is not an easy question. I gave Robbie the choice and he said he would stay with him after his efforts on the coast. Goose has quite a lot of confidence in him.”
It’s a different scenario to the big-field coast, but Purvis is confident Smoke On The Water’s sheer speed will put him straight into battle.
“The field of fourteen horses will make it more difficult, but he doesn’t seem to lose any of his speed even on wet roads.”
To see the Marlborough Cup pitch click here
Purvis also has two other runners on the program. In Race 3, the Grove Park Motor Lodge Mobile Pace with Close to Drive Ultimatum will look to improve on its day one efforts.
“He got through the first day well. It is a smaller field and drawn into the unruly conditions, I expect a much better run this time.
“He ended up in the wrong peloton on Friday and lacks a bit of high speed. Positions are more his thing.”
“He has a chance in the top four until he gets back in line,” Purvis said.
The blinds come off Don Juan in the final race of the program today, the Blenheim Print Mobile Pace, after generating some enthusiasm on day one for rider Tayla Duley, who will reunite with the gelding today.
“I took the blinds off for the second day to try to help him.
“He’s not someone who likes to work in the middle of the race. It was an honor for him to stay in fifth place.
“He was bucking and kicking in the paddock after the first day so hopefully it didn’t take too much out of him. He’s a top four player too,” said Purvis.
Race one starts this morning at 11.45am
For full race entries, click here
Through Mike Lovefor Harness Racing New Zealand
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