Racing: Big test for rising star

Rising star Occidentalis tackles his biggest assignment in the Japan-NZ International Trophy - provided the Tauranga track is reasonable.

The track was rated slow but steadily improving yesterday.

"That is the worry," co-trainer Richard Otto said last night. "If it is worse than dead he won't start."

Wet tracks have spoiled the grey Scenic gelding's chance of a perfect record this season.

He won his first three starts and had seconds in his last two runs, one of which was on a heavy track and the other on a dead track chopped up on the inside.

He still managed a close second to My Astron in that race, at Ellerslie on March 7.

Otto believes Occidentalis has improved since that run and was ready for a big run tomorrow if track conditions suit.

- NZPA