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A dashing display against some quality opposition at Hastings on the weekend has Opaki galloper Nymph Monte set to take his place in the Gr. 1 Livamol Classic at the venue next month.
The talented Tavistock gelding missed a start in the spring feature in 2016 before going on to perform with distinction at the New Zealand Cup carnival at Riccarton however this year trainer Grant Nicholson has his eyes firmly fixed on a single prize.
Having just the third run in his current campaign Nymph Monte blew his rivals away with a sharp burst of speed in the closing stages that carried him to a three-length victory in the day’s open 2000 metre contest.It was just the performance Nicholson was looking for as he prepares for a return to Hastings in a fortnight.
“He was impressive in that last bit with some improvement still in him,” was his succinct summing up of what his charge had just achieved.“The track was a concern but Rosie (Myers) got him out to the right part and he let down really nicely.
“He’s strengthened again for this prep and that little bit of age on him has really helped.”Nicholson believes the six-year-old is ready to tackle the elite level under weight-for-age conditions and is looking forward to the challenge.
“The way he won today would suggest he has to be in with a chance in the Livamol,” he said.“It’s a different level and he will have to lift to it but I think he can.
“We tried last year and missed by one on the ballot so we will be there to have another go this year.”Rider Rosie Myers was also taken by the run after admitting she had learned a lesson when finishing fourth on the horse on the first day of the carnival.
“His run on the first day was super and I learned a little about him that day,” she explained.“He doesn’t like being in tight quarters and didn’t really let down but today I was able to get to the outside and he showed what a good turn of foot he has.
“He’s been on the improve all the way and hopefully he can continue on with it.”The win saw TAB bookmakers shorten Nymph Monte’s odds for the Livamol Classic to $12 with Gr. 1 Windsor Park Plate winner Gingernuts remaining a warm favourite at $2.20 for the event which will be held at Hastings on October 7.