Some time off before the battle for the Titans

Stars of last season, three-year-olds Marktplaats (Bettor’s joy) and got the chocolates, (Art major) will not resume their battle on the track until the spring.

Their titanic clashes last year were one of the highlights of the season, but they have each taken different paths as they enter their four-year seasons.

Got The Chocolates is back at the trials in Addington today and has the Noel Taylor Mile in April and the New Zealand Messenger in May at Alexandra Park on its radar.

“He’s matured a lot and you can tell he’s a different horse. So we’re looking forward to getting him racing again. He’s calmed down. He used to be quite nervous, but his whole behavior has changed. Now he’s calm and I think that will help the horse,” said Jenna Dunn, who trains the gelding with her father-in-law Robert Dunn.

Following these two mid-season objectives, Got The Chocolates will air for a period of time before racing again in the spring.

Meanwhile, Marketplace will miss the Auckland features and focus on spring racing instead.

“He’s going to have a long, slow build-up. The ownership group has really made him. I know there’s good money coming into Auckland, but they’ve always put the horse first and let me do what I think is best for him. I think we’ve pulled the right rein there, but it’s going to be hard knowing you could be there. I’m sure he’ll pay us back in the long run,” trainer Regan Todd said.

The main long-term goal for Marketplace is the New Zealand Cup in November.

“But we’ll just let him find his feet in the open class. He did a test against all those horses at the end of the season and it seemed to go well. You never know. We don’t get too far ahead of ourselves.”

Todd says an early target under consideration is the $300,000 The Rising Sun in Albion Park in early July.

“He’ll have to be extra good to go there with horses like Captains Mistress.”

Meanwhile, Todd has seven yearlings under his care that were purchased at the recent yearling sales.

• Bettor’s Delight – Victor Ideal colt ($45,000).
• Captaintreacherous – Belle Thorne foal ($90,000)
• Always B Miki – Lovely Brigade Foal ($30,000)
• Father Patrick – high gait colt ($60,000)
• Sweet Lou – Piccadilly Princess foal ($45,000)
• Downbytheseaside – Stellar Arden foal (SBSR-$60,000)
• Downbytheseaside – Galleons Pleasure foal (SBSR-$150,000)

Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink