Nymph Monte
Race Images Palmerston North
It's with an eye to the future that Grant Nicholson has decided to introduce Nymph Monte to top level racing.
The Opaki trainer will have an earlier than anticipated shot at Group One competition when he backs the stayer up in Saturday's Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa off the back of his Monday success in the Wairarapa Cup.
"Michelin was always going to go up for the Rating 85 over 2400 metres so we thought why not," Nicholson said.
"He's come out of his last race very well and he's a progressive horse. Give him another six months and I think he'll be right up with whatever is around."
Nicholson is realistic about his chances at Te Rapa and sees the race as another opportunity to further Nymph Monte's experience.
"Kawi and Stolen Dance are the obvious two and we're probably running for third, fourth or fifth with a bit of luck," he said. "He's learning and getting better all the time."
Michael Coleman rode Nymph Monte into third at Ellerslie on Boxing Day and he will be reunited with the four-year-old while Sam Collett has been booked for stablemate Michelin in the Power Farming Handicap.
"I'm very happy with him and he's a natural 2400 metre and beyond horse," Nicholson said. "As long as he goes well, he'll run in the Avondale Cup."
Placed over two miles behind Pentathlon three runs back, Michelin then ran second at Awapuni before his last start sixth in the Karaka Stayers' Cup at Ellerslie.
"He ran the second-best sectional for the last 600 metres and he's the sort of horse that next year will be set for three races – the New Zealand, Wellington and Auckland Cups – he'll stay all day," Nicholson said. – NZ Racing Desk.
The Opaki trainer will have an earlier than anticipated shot at Group One competition when he backs the stayer up in Saturday's Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa off the back of his Monday success in the Wairarapa Cup.
"Michelin was always going to go up for the Rating 85 over 2400 metres so we thought why not," Nicholson said.
"He's come out of his last race very well and he's a progressive horse. Give him another six months and I think he'll be right up with whatever is around."
Nicholson is realistic about his chances at Te Rapa and sees the race as another opportunity to further Nymph Monte's experience.
"Kawi and Stolen Dance are the obvious two and we're probably running for third, fourth or fifth with a bit of luck," he said. "He's learning and getting better all the time."
Michael Coleman rode Nymph Monte into third at Ellerslie on Boxing Day and he will be reunited with the four-year-old while Sam Collett has been booked for stablemate Michelin in the Power Farming Handicap.
"I'm very happy with him and he's a natural 2400 metre and beyond horse," Nicholson said. "As long as he goes well, he'll run in the Avondale Cup."
Placed over two miles behind Pentathlon three runs back, Michelin then ran second at Awapuni before his last start sixth in the Karaka Stayers' Cup at Ellerslie.
"He ran the second-best sectional for the last 600 metres and he's the sort of horse that next year will be set for three races – the New Zealand, Wellington and Auckland Cups – he'll stay all day," Nicholson said. – NZ Racing Desk.