Purdon set for first Vic-trained runner

New Zealand trainer Nathan Purdon has quietly been going about his business since landing in Australia during early February, preparing a young team of horses to kick-start what he hopes is a successful stay down under.

And now the 25-year-old is ready to take the first runner from his Lara base to the races.

The son of champion Kiwi trainer/driver Mark has Captn Me engaged at Cranbourne on Tuesday night, and the daughter of Captaintreacherous is likely to be well supported in the Hygain 2YO Maiden Pace (1609m).

Anthony Butt will drive the bay filly, who won a trial at Tabcorp Park Melton on March 16.

“She’s pretty well bred and a nice filly. She’s a very natural two-year-old that has always had a good attitude from the start,” Purdon said.

“She looks probably a little bit above average, but there looks like there’s a smart colt in there of Andy Gath’s (Holzhauer) that will take a bit of beating I suppose.

“I expect her to run a good race.”

Purdon has said goodbye to his successful partnership with Chrissie Dalgety back home and is looking to establish himself right here in Victoria.

He told thetrots.com.au that he has a team of about 12 in work, including the dual Group 1-placed Spellbound, who has been sent out from New Zealand.

“We should be right up and racing five or six within the next month or six weeks,” he said.

“They are all young ones really. There’s nine two-year-olds there and one three-year-old filly and she hasn’t had a start either.”

Spellbound, a winner of five races and more than $120,000, was previously trained by Robert Dunn and is expected to be at the trials in about a month.

Purdon’s first runner since moving to Australia will go around in the fourth race of the night at Cranbourne, which is scheduled for 7.32pm.

LISTEN TO PURDON SPEAK WITH ANDREW BENSLEY ON SEN TRACK DURING JANUARY: