By Matt Markham
A piece of advice from one of the most respected minds in harness racing might just be the key to Have Faith In Me turning the tables on Lazarus in next Tuesday’s New Zealand Trotting Cup.
The Miracle Mile winner made sure everyone knew he was still in the mix for the $750,000 Group One on Tuesday when he won last night’s annual Cup Trial at Addington Raceway in the hands of his co-trainer, Natalie Rasmussen.
There’s been glimpses of the real Have Faith In Me throughout his Cup build up, but the real excitement machine hasn’t shown up just yet although last night was a step back in the right direction and it could be all down to a simple addition to the gear of the flighty pacer on the advice of his other co-trainer, Mark Purdon’s father, Roy.
It was he who suggested the addition of bloomers might help Have Faith In Me with his often erratic gait and Purdon and Rasmussen tried them out last night to great success.
Not only did he make a very good beginning from the stand start, but he also paced cleanly.
“It’s the best he’s begun so far I think,” Rasmussen said.
“And there was none of that skipping business that he’s been doing either, he felt great out there.”
Rasmussen worked to the lead after 400 metres last night to get in front of Lazarus, who found the top early.
From there he dictated strongly – running some strong closing sectionals.
“We’ve left it late, but we are heading in the right direction finally.
“We are right where we want to be heading into Tuesday at this stage.”
While Rasmussen sung her charge’s praises, Purdon was equally as impressed with the effort of Cup favourite, Lazarus who enjoyed the trip in the trail and sprinted up strongly under a good hold.
“That was perfect for what we wanted,” Purdon said.
“He began the best he ever had today too which is a great result – he’s just handling it all so well.”
Christen Me closed strongly late for third ahead of the Junior-Free-For-All bound, Dream About Me who looked strong in her work too.
Earlier in the day, Star Galleria announced his arrival in Canterbury with a strong victory for Steven Reid and Simon McMullan.
The Sires’ Stakes bound pacer was far too good for Ultimate Machete in the run to the line.
“He’s gone fantastic,” Reid said.
“Now it’s up to getting that bit of luck in our favour.”
Drawn barrier four on Tuesday, many expect Tony Herlihy to get moving early on the three-year-old and try and make his two toughest rivals, More The Better and Ultimate Machete work that little bit harder.
Habibti showed she’s on the right path with a good win in the feature trotting event.
She will jump and run from the pole position on Tuesday as she looks to lower the colours of Monbet in the New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All.
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