Racing: Mitchell confident of third cup for Just An Excuse

Robert Mitchell and constant equine companion Just An Excuse have been there and done it all before - two New Zealand Cup wins from as many starts.

Mitchell was sitting leisurely yesterday in the stable of Woodend-based trainers David and Catherine Butt content with the fitness and health of Just An Excuse.

The 7-year-old has been troubled recently by a muscular condition known as "tying-up". However, the Raglan trainer is confident of a good performance in the Ashburton Flying Stakes tomorrow.

Just An Excuse faded in the final 100 metres of the North Shore City Stakes to finish third behind Mi Muchacho and Alta Serena at Alexandra Park a week ago, but took no harm from that performance.

Mitchell and Just An Excuse travelled south earlier this week and have settled in well at the Butts' beachside training establishment north of Christchurch.

"I wasn't disappointed in his effort to finish third behind Mi Muchacho. We gave him a 20m head start under the handicapping conditions and the winner was allowed to lead and walk them in front.

"When you give a top class free-for-all horse like that a start and they have an easy lead time, you are always going to struggle.

"I pulled a blood test off Just An Excuse during the week leading into that race and it showed he was still getting over the tying-up problem.

"It's something that has troubled him on occasions throughout his career and it's just a matter of being one step ahead and peaking him for the big races.

"Just as a precaution we pulled another blood test off him the day after he arrived in Christchurch and his blood levels are back at a very good reading.

"He's a year older now and it has taken him that bit longer to come up to full fitness and I will have a better idea after the race tomorrow.

"Last year we were checked and knocked out of the race and I am just hopeful of dodging a repeat.

"I think he will go very well and if he has a decent hitout in that race he won't need another race leading into the New Zealand Cup.

"I will start him in the New Zealand Cup trial only if I think he really needs a serious hitout. I can get him up to full fitness training him at Woodend Beach.

"I have had this horse since the first day he walked on to my property in Raglan and I know how to get him fit and ready to win the cup.

"I have produced him to win the last two NZ Cups and I really believe I will have him spot on to clinch that winning hat-trick next month."

Mitchell is warm in his praise of Mi Muchacho and Alta Serena and believes the pair will prove tough to beat in the New Zealand Cup.

However, he had a word of warning for supporters of both pacers.

"Mi Muchacho is the up and coming horse in New Zealand and Alta Serena is a great standing start mare with high speed, but they both have to handle the hype of cup day and a true staying test over 3200m.

"My horse has been there and done it before and he's lowered Elsu's colours in this race over the past two years. He's a horse that lifts to a different level when he gets on to a big roomy track like Addington."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY