Trainer Mark Purdon is no stranger to Seelite Windows and Doors Redwood Classic day at Maryborough, having won the prestigious event two years ago with Daenerys Targaryen.
This Sunday Purdon will put the polish on an exciting filly named High Gait in the $50,505 Group 1 Classic, the full-sister to reigning Breeders Crown champion Our Twentyten sure to start among the leading elects with punters.
High Gait has won five of six lifetime starts, her only defeat coming in the Harness Jewels at Ashburton.
There is an enormous boom around for High Gait with declarations of “she just wins” coming from some who have witnessed her trialling and working in recent weeks.
But Purdon is more cautious when asked of her ability: “She’s good, but she’s nothing special.”
High Gait has had two recent trials at Menangle, New South Wales, and Purdon says she is sharper than ever.
“She’s very sensible… I do think she is a bit better than in the Jewels, but (looking ahead to the Breeders Crown) there are some really top-class horses in the ranks at the moment, so it’s very competitive,” the leading trainer said.
“She’s quite a natural trotter. I think she’s a natural two-year-old.”
CODY WINNELL
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