The Oysterman
Race Images Palmerston North
Stephen Nickalls is confident of bold showings from his pair of maiden jumpers in the prestige events at Trentham on Saturday.
While the Awapuni trainer has yet to welcome The Oysterman or Derby Dan back to the winner's stall, the duo aren't there to make up the numbers with both of them boasting solid placed form on their records.
The Oysterman will return for a second crack at the Grant Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase after finishing runner-up 12 months ago to Mr Mor.
'We've only got to improve a length and all this preparation I've said he is stronger and better than last year," Nickalls said.
"My only concern is that he missed a 'chase at Wellington after he ran fourth at Te Rapa with a stone bruise.
"He's had a flat run since and he's done a heap of work at the farm and at the beach and I took him to Trentham on Monday to school him.
"Shaun Fannin rode him for me and he jumped super, but missing that steeplechase could still be detrimental to him."
Safely through Saturday, The Oysterman is likely to head to Riccarton for the NZI Koral Steeplechase at Riccarton on August 6 ahead of the Racecourse Hotel & Motel Grand National Steeplechase a week later.
"That's our plan at this stage – once he gets up to three miles he's in his element," Nickalls said.
The winner of three races on the flat when trained by Mark Oulaghan, Derby Dan will attempt to break his jumping duck in the Anuka Smoker Wellington Hurdles.
"He's really well and he loves Trentham," Nickalls said. "He might not have won a hurdle race yet, but he has run second to Mahanadi and to Sea King so he goes alright." – NZ Racing Desk.
While the Awapuni trainer has yet to welcome The Oysterman or Derby Dan back to the winner's stall, the duo aren't there to make up the numbers with both of them boasting solid placed form on their records.
The Oysterman will return for a second crack at the Grant Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase after finishing runner-up 12 months ago to Mr Mor.
'We've only got to improve a length and all this preparation I've said he is stronger and better than last year," Nickalls said.
"My only concern is that he missed a 'chase at Wellington after he ran fourth at Te Rapa with a stone bruise.
"He's had a flat run since and he's done a heap of work at the farm and at the beach and I took him to Trentham on Monday to school him.
"Shaun Fannin rode him for me and he jumped super, but missing that steeplechase could still be detrimental to him."
Safely through Saturday, The Oysterman is likely to head to Riccarton for the NZI Koral Steeplechase at Riccarton on August 6 ahead of the Racecourse Hotel & Motel Grand National Steeplechase a week later.
"That's our plan at this stage – once he gets up to three miles he's in his element," Nickalls said.
The winner of three races on the flat when trained by Mark Oulaghan, Derby Dan will attempt to break his jumping duck in the Anuka Smoker Wellington Hurdles.
"He's really well and he loves Trentham," Nickalls said. "He might not have won a hurdle race yet, but he has run second to Mahanadi and to Sea King so he goes alright." – NZ Racing Desk.