Things looking better for Akuta

Reports from the All Stars harness racing stable indicate scans of star pacer Akuta’s (Bettor’s Delight) injured leg are looking more positive.

Owned by Cullen Breeding Limited and co trainer Mark Purdon, Akuta last started at the end of December when he finished third behind Don’t Stop Dreaming and Old Town Road in the G3 Franklin Cup.

Afterwards Akuta was earmarked to travel to Australia to contest major races but in mid January he threw a shoe and chopped down on himself in track work. By the time a second scan was taken it was clear there was more damage than originally thought.

“The feedback is a lot more positive this time. The scan has come back really good. It’s certainly pointing towards being more positive than it was two months ago. He’s on the treadmill and water walker for a another two to three weeks and potentially will come back into work if everything is still progressing well,” co trainer Nathan Purdon said.

Adding to the rehabilitation is the fact that Akuta carries more condition than most horses.

“It’s probably one thing that’s stacked against him a bit. When he comes back it’ll take a little bit longer than most horses to get back to where he needs to be. He’s still up north for a bit more rehab and if that final scan is good, he’ll make his way back to the farm.”

From thirty one starts Akuta has won sixteen races and been placed a further ten times for $1,137,165 in stakes.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink