Awapuni trainer Mark Oulaghan has three throws of the dice at Trentham tomorrow and don't be surprised if racing's quiet achiever bags at least one of the day's features.
Oulaghan saddles up last-start winners Mi Senor and Tommy Lad in the Wellington Steeplechase and Hurdles respectively while Top O The Straight will contest the listed $30,000 Whyte Handicap (1600m).
Mi Senor faces a huge task in the $45,000 P&O NedLloyd Wellington Steeples (5500m) if Bodle, recovering from a leg injury, starts. But given the contempt with which he dispatched the Homeby Steeples field at Riccarton on June 30 he could get some of the money.
Besides Bodle, Oulaghan's main concern is the distance, otherwise he is confident of a cheeky run from the seven-year-old.
"It's a bit of a test for him but I think he has a reasonable future," Oulaghan said.
"He'll jump well and the ground won't worry me but I'm just not sure about the distance; that could find him out."
The Homeby was Mi Senor's second steeplechase after a hurdling record of one win and three placings from eight starts.
Eddie Lamb will ride Mi Senor but stable rider Chris Allen retains the mount on Hawkes Bay Hurdles winner Tommy Lad in the $30,000 Lion Brown Wellington Hurdles (3400m).
Tommy Lad ran 24 lengths last on the first day at Hastings and then came out seven days later and beat a similar field.
Oulaghan put the dramatic turnaround down to the extra distance and better track, but he has a few reservations about the winning run continuing.
He has no concerns with Top O The Straight, who meets rising star Van Winkle on equal weights but should acquit himself well for rider Lisa Mumby.
Oulaghan felt Top O The Straight needed the run last Saturday when sixth behind On Call in the Meyer Plate (1400m).
- NZPA
Racing: Features beckon for trio
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