The Mountain could be heading to Invercargill

Southland harness racing fans could be in for a treat on Invercargill Cup Day this year with Greg and Nina Hope contemplating bringing Muscle Mountain (Muscle Hill) south for the David Moss Stakes.

“We might look at Invercargill this year and their big trot in December. If he’s going good we might head to Auckland for a one-off race ($100,000 Group One National Trot),” Hope said.

Greg Hope who trains the thirty three win $878,709 money earner says Muscle Mountain has pulled up well after leading but finishing fifth in the Group One NZ FFA.

“It was a great run and his lack of race fitness told. It was pretty blustery and horses that were leading up were doing it pretty hard on Show Day. He’s come on from that run and we’re really happy with him. He’ll have his next start in the Green Mile.”

Meanwhile Muscle Mountain’s full sister Odina will have her last start for the season in the $100,000 Ace Of Hearts on Friday night at Addington.

“After that, win loss or draw, she’ll go out into the paddock. We were going to tip her out after she won but she trained on well and we thought for the sake of another fortnight we might as well give her one more crack at the big money.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink