By MICHAEL GUERIN
Don't get carried way with Ouch - and don't underestimate Bogan Fella.
They were the two warnings trainer Mark Purdon had for punters at Alexandra Park tonight.
Purdon has an extremely strong team at tonight's premier meeting and admits he could be in for a rewarding night if things go his way.
Yet he is going into the $30,000 North Shore City Stakes not quite knowing what to expect.
Ouch will make his debut from Purdon's stable in the feature with an interrupted preparation.
"He stood on a stone and damaged the sole of his hoof last month and it has taken some time to come right," said Purdon.
"It has responded well to treatment but it is hard to go into any open class race after you have had a problem."
Ouch looked fit enough for his resumption when beating Agua Caliente at the workouts last Saturday and has impressed Purdon with his work but last season was a hard horse to follow so Purdon admits not knowing what to expect tonight.
But he knows what to expect from Bogan Fella - a vastly improved run.
The veteran was only eighth in the Spring Cup but was squeezed up in the straight and Purdon is expecting a far more competitive performance. .
"I think he has improved five lengths since the Spring Cup. He has really sharpened up. If the pace is on then he could be right in it."
Purdon hopes to start with a win from Taihape Tickler, who he rates a better than average maiden ideally suited to tonight's opener.
"And I think Matter Of Fact will be very hard to beat in race three because it took Champagne Party to beat her last week and she should be even better for that."
Zucchero produced a stunning run in a stronger field in his first run for two years last week and is capable of overcoming a wide draw in race six.
"He has to be better for that run last week and is a pretty handy horse," said Purdon.
New Zealand's leading trainer will be represented by Hawera in the third leg of Pick Six and even from a 20m handicap the high class mare has to be respected.
"She raced in the Spring Cup last start and like Bogan Fella she needed the outing. But she will be a lot better tonight, although it is a good field."
Supa Dupa returns for Purdon in the ninth and although he hasn't raced since last Christmas looked forward when third in a good time at the Alexandra Park workouts last Saturday.
"They went 2:47 for 2200 last week and that should have improved him. If it has then he has to be hard to beat, even from his wide draw."
The last race brings together one of the most even betting fields of the night and Armbro Illusion will be looking to continue the improved form he showed at Addington last month.
"I was really happy with his runs at Addington."
Racing: Injury may have hurt Ouch's chances
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