Purdons get ‘visitors draws’ at Cambridge

Rolleston harness racing trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon will kick their big race season off on Friday (Feb. 17) night at Cambridge raceway. However their male pacers have lucked out with the barrier draws in the NZB Standardbred Harness Million.

In the $200,000 listed race over 2200 metres at Cambridge With Style (Bettor’s Delight) has drawn seven, whilst Sherlock (Vincent) has drawn the inside of the second line and Sindbad (Downbytheseaside) is at four on the second row.

Purdon says With Style tends to fly under the radar but he’s racing well at the moment.

“It’s a shame he doesn’t have much luck with the draws in some of the big races and with a full field he’s probably going to need a little bit of luck around Cambridge. But in saying that all the favoured runners have drawn bad.”

Sherlock was in excellent form during Cup Week running second to classy stablemate Don’t Stop Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight). He’s had one trial to get him ready for Friday’s pacing feature.

“That draw is not ideal but he does follow out one of Ray Greens (Frankie Major) that generally gets off the arm pretty good. He too will need a little bit of luck.”

Mark and Nathan’s third runner Sinbad has also had one quiet trial and he draws on the outside of likely favourite Merlin (Art Major).

“I think the fields are a wee bit too big in these classic races so he too is going to need luck.”

Fillies Millwood Nike (Captaintreacherous) at barrier six and stable newcomer Sucitra (Bettor’s Delight) at seven fare better in their race as the field for the Harness Million for three year old fillies will only have eight runners.

“Millwood Nike is a real class act. With Telfers not having a runner, the race looks a little bit at her mercy. She’s in a really good space and has matured mentally over the time she’s been racing. She’s a beautiful filly.”

Sucitra is having her first start for the All Stars and comes to the stable with a good rap.

“Darren Keast passed her on to us. His grandfather Paul Renwick and his wife Pauline own her. Darren had an opinion of her, but she fell at her only start. She’s had a good spell and they gave her one trial and came to us. Each time we’ve taken her off the place she’s gone a little bit better. Her trial last Saturday was quite impressive. She’s not the worst.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink