By Adam Hamilton
Adopted Aussie Mr Mojito will open his campaign aimed at the Harness Jewels when he steps out for the first time for new trainer-driver Kerryn Manning at Melton on Friday.
The gifted four-year-old was switched to Manning’s barn after a issue-plagued Perth campaign late last year wher he won a race, but didn’t show anything like his best form.
“Kerryn is really happy with him,” owner Merv Butterworth said. “She called me last Thursday and said ‘gee, he worked very well yesterday morning Merv’.”
Mr Mojito will two runs at Melton before heading to NZ to prepare for the Jewels.
“He’s got the free-for-all this Friday and then a big race eight days later at Melton as well,” Butterworth said.
The second race is the $75,000 Group 2 4&5YO Championship.
“It will be an ideal grounding for the Jewels,” Butterworth said.
Butterworth and wife, Meg, were thrilled to snare a Jewels invite for Mr Mojito last week.
“We’ve won five Jewels finals as owners, but to have a chance to race the first Aussie-trained winners of a Jewels is very exciting,” he said.
“It won’t be easy taking on the likes of Heaven Rocks and Waikiki Beach, but we think we’ve got a really nice horse, too.
“Let’s hopes he runs as well as we expect over the next couple of weeks and keeps our dream alive.
“Kerryn and Grant (Campbell, Manning’s husband) will take him to NZ after the Championship and will be stabled at All Stars for his stay.”
More immediately, Butterworth is looking forward to the long-awaited racetrack return of another of his most talented horses, Itz Bettor To Win.
The five-year-old resumes from gate six in the fourth race at Swan Hill on Tuesday and looks a graded certainty on his form before a hoof injury sidelines him.
Formerly with Mark Purdon, Itz Bettor To Win ran second in three Aussie runs during the Nights Of Glory back in January/February, last year.
The latest was a second to Tact Tate in the Group 1 4YO Bonanza.
“A lot of people wouldn’t remember, but he’s actually beaten Smolda in a race, too,” Butterworth said. “It’s great to have him back and Kerryn’s happy with him as well.”
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