3 minute read
The performance of the in-form Mighty Matt at New Plymouth this weekend will determine the future direction of his campaign.
The last-start winner’s immediate challenge will come in Saturday’s Listed Waikato Stud Opunake Cup with Mike Breslin to subsequently decide on a trip to Riccarton.
“This is the race he has been set for and everything has gone to plan so far,” the Awapuni trainer said.
“He’s fit and really well and he will need to run out another strong 1400 metres to warrant going to Christchurch. We’ll play it by ear after Saturday.”
Mighty Matt will be on trial for the Gr.3 Estaronline Winter Cup at Riccarton over 1600 metres and is currently being kept safe at a $10 quote for the August 2 feature. He is the joint second favourite with Our Gazza and Taurus behind the $8 market leader Pencuri.
Two previous attempts at a mile have gone without reward for Mighty Matt, but he has made significant progress since he was last tried at the trip.
The son of Any Suggestion closed strongly for second in testing conditions at Trentham three runs back before he again hit the line well for fourth at Tauranga.
Mighty Matt then announced his entry into the open class ranks earlier this month with a home track defeat of the hardy performer Authentic Paddy.
Race rival Taurus was runner-up in last year’s Opunake Cup, a position he also went on to fill at Riccarton, and he again promises to be prominent with some luck from an awkward gate.
Other form contenders with wide draws to overcome are Authentic Paddy and The Lone Ranger while the Listed Ag Challenge winner I Am Sam should get a good run from a handier barrier and he has the home track advantage.