Nymph Monte
Race Images Palmerston North
Grant Nicholson isn't dwelling on a missed Group One opportunity with Nymph Monte earlier in the spring.
The Opaki trainer had been keen on a crack at the Livamol Classic, but the horse was the second emergency.
"We needed another scratching to get a run and it didn't happen, but that was a blessing – I don't believe he would have handled that Hastings track at all," Nicholson said.
He will have no such concerns at Riccarton on Saturday with perfect going for Nymph Monte in the Listed Christchurch Casino Spring Classic. A bold run will also confirm a late entry for the upcoming Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup.
"We've had that in mind ever since we missed the Livamol," Nicholson said. "He's travelled well and settled in nicely.
"It's a beautiful track down here so all going well we will be going forward to the cup, that's the plan anyway."
Nicholson is confident the 3200 metres of the Riccarton feature on November 12 won't pose a problem.
"It doesn't matter what distance he runs over, he always gets stronger at the line and that augurs well for two miles," he said.
He also has high hopes for the youngest member of his team at Christchurch with Reliable Perky to debut in the NZB Ready to Run Sale Two-Year-Old. Bred by Nicholson, she is a daughter of Reliable Man.
"She travelled down well - the progeny of Reliable Man have got brilliant temperaments, just real professionals," he said.
"She's had two jump-outs in eight horse fields at Levin and she's won them both." NZ Racing Desk.
The Opaki trainer had been keen on a crack at the Livamol Classic, but the horse was the second emergency.
"We needed another scratching to get a run and it didn't happen, but that was a blessing – I don't believe he would have handled that Hastings track at all," Nicholson said.
He will have no such concerns at Riccarton on Saturday with perfect going for Nymph Monte in the Listed Christchurch Casino Spring Classic. A bold run will also confirm a late entry for the upcoming Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup.
"We've had that in mind ever since we missed the Livamol," Nicholson said. "He's travelled well and settled in nicely.
"It's a beautiful track down here so all going well we will be going forward to the cup, that's the plan anyway."
Nicholson is confident the 3200 metres of the Riccarton feature on November 12 won't pose a problem.
"It doesn't matter what distance he runs over, he always gets stronger at the line and that augurs well for two miles," he said.
He also has high hopes for the youngest member of his team at Christchurch with Reliable Perky to debut in the NZB Ready to Run Sale Two-Year-Old. Bred by Nicholson, she is a daughter of Reliable Man.
"She travelled down well - the progeny of Reliable Man have got brilliant temperaments, just real professionals," he said.
"She's had two jump-outs in eight horse fields at Levin and she's won them both." NZ Racing Desk.