By Adam Hamilton
KERRYN Manning is a realist.
The trailblazing Aussie trainer-driver knows Arden Rooney needs to go exceptionally well in Monday’s Kaikoura Cup to have any chance in the NZ Cup eight days later.
“It’s a lot easier race Monday than the (NZ) Cup will be. The biggest names of the (NZ) Cup aren’t going to Kaikoura,” she said.
“If things go his way, he’ll need to win or run really well to be considered a serious hope in the NZ Cup.”
Most importantly, Arden Rooney, who last year’s Kaikoura Cup, has the drawn the front row, albeit wide (gate eight), on Monday.
“I read the form comments on the race and it basically says he’ll jump to the front and just win … I hope they’re right,” Manning said.
“Drawing the front is important and out a bit wider suits him because he does step away so well usually.”
Arden Rooney was due to arrive at Mark Purdon’s Christchurch stables this morning (Thursday).
The reigning Hunter Cup hero delighted Manning with a strong workout at her Great Western stables on Tuesday.
“He worked two heats and went quick time in the second of them,” she said. “He felt strong. He’s really well.”
Manning is not fazed by missing last Sunday’s Maryborough Cup.
“He showed me he was right back to his best with the Swan Hill Cup win and it would’ve been a huge ask off 40m or so at Maryborough,” she said.
“Knowing we still had Kaikoura to top him off, I was happy to bypass Maryborough.
“He’s leaving home right where I want him.”
Manning’s husband, Grant Campbell accompanied Arden Rooney across to NZ.
“Grant’s going to look after him over there,” she said. “I’ll head across to drive him at Kaikoura then go home.
“I’ll be back the day before the NZ Cup and stay with him that week because the plan is to back him up in the (NZ) free-for-all on Friday as well.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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