One of the more bizarre New Zealand Trotting Cup preparations is set to continue with Franco Nelson set to take his place in next Tuesday’s great race.
Last year’s Cup runner-up, Franco Nelson was victorious at the Ashburton workouts this afternoon against some low-key opposition looking slightly sharper than his previous public outings so far this prep.
With champion reinsman Dexter Dunn in the bike the son of Christian Cullen began quickly of his 40 metre handicap and settled last before looping to the lead with just under 800 metres to run.
He kicked clear on the home turn and seemed to knock off 100 metres short of the post finishing close to four lengths clear of The Smoocha and Buzkil – running his last 800 metres in a shade quicker than 56 seconds.
“He actually felt good, I was pretty happy with him,’’ Dunn said.
“He’s a bit of a bugger for knocking off when he gets clear and he did that today, but I thought he felt quite good.’’
Dunn came down to drive the entire today, but the reins will be handed to Craig Thornley next Tuesday.
Thornley has an association with the horse having driven him to success as a three-year-old in the Sires’ Stakes Final as a three-year-old.
Trainer Michael House said in an ideal world the Cup would still be three weeks ago based on the stage he feels Franco Nelson is at now. A number of issues have kept him away from other preparations meaning he will go into the Cup on the back of having just a few workouts and trials and no race day appearances.
“It’s not the ideal Cup preparation but we are sound and fit,’’ he said.
“He has recovered from that heat very well so hopefully we can get through the next few days and then we will see what happens.’’
House said strong consideration was given to missing the Cup and heading straight into the New Zealand Free-For-All on the Friday but Clive and Rona McKay along with daughter Sharon, who own the horse, are keen to start in the Cup.
Meanwhile Swedish import Daryl Boko was impressive winning earlier in the day.
The Tim Butt trained trotter took on the maiden pacers and after working his way to the lead inside the final 600 metres he dashed away to win impressively – cutting out his last 800 metres almost as quickly as Franco Nelson.
Butt was pleasantly surprised by the performance.
“I’ve been having the odd sleepless night about this guy.
“You bring a horse out like we have with him and there’s a bit of expectation out there.
“But today he’s gone great, he might be a bit more forward than what I thought.’’
Jim Curtin, who drove the horse, reported that he would have probably won more impressively had he not struck the wheel discs inside the final 200 metres.
Butt’s intention is to start him in Tuesday’s New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All and then make a firm decision on the Dominion Handicap three days later – although both are likely.
Curtin has been booked to drive the horse during Cup Week with Butt’s brother Anthony taking the reins behind Choise Achiever in the New Zealand Trotting Cup.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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