By Michael Guerin
If you are expecting Dave Gibbons to pull off another miracle with Noopy Kiosk don't hold your breath.
The Kumeu horseman produced one of the training feats of the season to turn the former Victorian rogue into one of the stars of last month's Interdominions.
But with the Rowe Cup tomorrow night Gibbons isn't so sure he can repeat that feat.
Noopy Kiosk loomed as one of the favourites for the Cup until he blew his final lead-up last Friday.
Noopy Kiosk galloped on the first bend and trotted poorly after.
"I had him checked out and it looks like his blood was not dead right but I could still be happier with him," said Gibbons.
Noopy Kiosk went to Alexandra Park for a fast workout on Tuesday and his performance did little to boost his chances tomorrow night.
"He got very fired up and even though he trotted well it was not the sort of run I wanted just days before a race like the Rowe Cup.
"Even though he is good enough to win it I think punters should be a little wary."
It seems nothing can stop Courage Under Fire.
He suffered a rare setback last week when a stone bruise forced him to miss some work but that wasn't affecting him at the Rangiora trials yesterday. He came from last in the 2600m trial, pacing his last 800m in 57 seconds, his final 400 in 27.1 to win easily on a soaked track.
Horse Racing: Warning for Noopy's fans
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.