By Matt Markham
Superstar trotter, Monbet is heading to Cup Day.
After appearing quite firm on the fact that the reigning Horse of the Year would not contest the Group One New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All on New Zealand Trotting Cup Day, the gelding’s trainers Greg and Nina Hope have back tracked and decided to make a surprise appearance on harness racing’s biggest day.
“He’s come through his Ashburton run that well that I can’t see any reason why he can’t race in both races,” Greg Hope said.
“The goal all along has been the Dominion Handicap, but winning both races has been done before and he’s the sort of horse who I think could handle the two races in a short time period.
“His work this morning (Thursday) was exceptional and that led to us making the decision to press forward to the Tuesday as well.”
In a great coup for Addington Raceway officials, the news will probably not be quite as well received by some of Monbet’s rivals who were looking forward to the chance of racing for serious money without his ever lurking presence about.
The New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All last year was the race in which the, then fledgling, squaregaiter announced his arrival in the open class ranks and set the tone for what was to be an incredible run of seven Group One victories over the course of the season.
Hope said it was now likely Monbet would miss the annual Cup Trials at Addington next Wednesday with the change in plans.
The stable will, all going well, have a three pronged attack on the trotting features of the week with Harrysul and Quite A Moment both touted to be there as well.
They will both head to Kaikoura on Monday to finalise their preparations.
The news from Woodend Beach wasn’t all happy though with Hope also confirming that they had lost Monbet’s dam, Diedre Darling.
Awarded the coveted title of Broodmare of the Year at the annual Awards earlier this year the mare had aborted her Love You foal a few weeks ago but had unfortunately not been able to survive the ordeal herself as well.
“It’s a big shame, especially because there are no fillies from her to breed on from, but that’s part of racing.
“We have a yearling by Muscle Hill at home who is shaping up nicely so hopefully he can do the job too.”
Diedre Darling left three foals to go to the races with Monbet the most prolific of them.
She also left the talented Donaldson who won seven here in New Zealand and also McConway who won two races in the North Island.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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