NZ HARNESS NEWS
He’s got one 3200m trotting Group One next to his name already but another will beckon come November for outstanding square gaiter, Speeding Spur.
Last season’s Rowe Cup champion is building nicely towards his first ever shot at the prestigious Dominion Handicap at Addington in November.
While it’s quite staggering that potentially one of our greatest ever trotters has never seen the Dominion Handicap, his inclusion in a race this year that looks set to include; Monbet, Amaretto Sun, Marcoola, Harriet Of Mot, Great Things Happen, Habibi Inta and many, many more will only add to the spectacle.
And as far as preparations go, it’s so far so good for John and Joshua Dickie.
“He’s come back up really well,” Joshua said.
“I don’t think he’s ever looked or felt as good as he does at the moment.”
Unsighted since his Rowe Cup victory – an effort which should take him close to winning Trotter of the Year at the annual Harness Racing Awards in the near future, Speeding Spur was given six weeks in the paddock.
“It’s the first time we’ve been able to really give him a proper break and treat him like a real horse.
“Usually we’ve been doing rehabilitation work with him, or he’s been injured, but this time around it was just a true spell.
“And I think it’s done him the world of good.”
The Dickie camp put Speeding Spur back in fast work a week earlier than was initially planned after he did so well upon his return to the stable and he’s been progressing really positively ever since.
“At this stage, we are on track for a look at a trial in probably three of four weeks and then we will take it from there.”
The first round of payments for the Cup Week features aren’t due until Wednesday, August 29 but initial interest in the race from across the country has been strong with plenty of trainers indicating their intention of being a part of the great race.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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