Top jumpers return to the fray at Trentham

Talented stablemates Nedwin (NZ) (Niagara) and Dictation (NZ) (Tavistock) will return to the jumping scene at Trentham on Saturday where they will contest the Manawatu ITM Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m) and Manawatu ITM Manawatu Hurdles (2500m) respectively.

Nedwin is vying for another feature crown after winning last year’s Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m), adding to his four prestige titles over hurdles.

Now solely in the steeplechasing role, his co-trainer Paul Nelson is looking forward to seeing the evergreen gelding back on track, but he is disappointed that it will be his last campaign with an age-enforced retirement coming at the end of this season.

“He’ll probably be needing the run, he should improve off this,” said Nelson, who trains in partnership with Corrina McDougal. “He schooled well at home and he wants to be doing his work.

“He’ll be sticking to steeplechasing this year, unfortunately it will be his last year unless the rule can be changed regarding his age.

“Show jumpers aren’t allowed to jump World Cup Level until they are eight, and we’re talking about 12-year-olds. In England, Europe, this rule is not the case – there is no limit on age for retirement.

“Surely as the trainers, we know our horses and should be able to make that call. We retired The Cossack last year, we felt although he was competitive, he wasn’t at the level he was, so we retired him.

“We haven’t had that choice with Suliman, who won the National (Hurdle) last year and unless the rule is changed, we won’t have a choice with this horse either. I really hope that won’t be the case at the end of the season, he’s in great shape and loving his work.”

The son of Niagara will carry the 69.5kg topweight with Mathew Gillies in the saddle, who also partners Dictation in the Manawatu Hurdles.

One of the most promising hurdlers in the country, Dictation produced a statement win in last year’s Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) but was ruled out of the Grand National with a minor injury.

Nelson said Saturday's race is a key lead in to his defence of next weekend’s Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdle (3200m), but the gelding has class on his side.

“He will probably need the run on Saturday, the dry weather has buggered us up a little bit or we probably would’ve been going a little earlier,” he said.

“But he is still a pretty good horse, so he might be able to get some of it. All going well, he will probably go to Waikato next week.”

Tavistock gelding Empire State also starts in the feature hurdle, having won his maiden at Te Rapa last season.

“He’s a bit of a smaller, leaner type of horse, doesn’t look much like a jumper, but you can’t judge a book by its cover,” Nelson said.

“He seems to be coming up well, he’s bright but we might find a couple better than him in this race.”

Lightly tried eight-year-old Kamaal will make his second hurdling appearance in the Vale Bob Autridge Hurdles (2500m), with a trial in late April to prepare.

“We hope he goes well, he’s probably a different horse this year and trialled nicely,” Nelson said. “He’s only having his second hurdle start and not many starts overall, so he’s still learning a bit about racing.”

A new member of the stable, and Nelson’s successful I See Red Syndicate, is Poetic Justice, who could be seen in the jumping role in future.

Proven over staying trips, he will resume over the shorter distance in the Vision Enhancement Av Specialists (1500m).

“We think he’s probably got a flat run in him, he’s doing everything we’re asking of him at the moment,” Nelson said. “He may be looking for more ground than he gets on Saturday, but that’ll do for a start.

“He couldn’t win a maiden race but he won a Rating 65 over 2400m, so that says he should probably be able to stay pretty well.”