Racing: Nirvana in Fire ready for Rotorua clash

Nirvana in Fire takes on a small but select line-up today. Photo / Race Images

Promising two-year-old Nirvana in Fire resumes from a short summer break when he takes on a small but select line-up in the juvenile event over 1215m at Rotorua today.

The Showcasing colt looked a galloper of real promise when he won over 1100m on debut at Pukekohe last December. A runner-up finish at Ellerslie in his next run clinched a start in the rich Karaka Million (1200m), however a wide barrier draw and some early buffeting saw him finish well back which necessitated time in the spelling paddock before embarking on an autumn campaign.

A smart trial win at Taupo recently has co-trainer Andrew Scott of the belief the powerful colt is ready to return in style at Rotorua.

"He's a pretty smart customer as he showed in his first campaign," he said. "Things just didn't go his way in the Karaka Million so we gave him a brief freshen-up and he has come back keen and looking superb after the time away.

Scott is also confident the colt will handle any moisture in the Rotorua surface which was rated a Dead5 24 hours out from raceday. "He won on a Dead4 at Pukekohe," he said.

"He wouldn't want it to get too wet, but we think he will appreciate a little easing from a really firm track."

Despite facing just four rivals Scott is taking nothing for granted about the race. "It's a small field but it's full of talent," he said.

"We are the only race winner but of the rest, two have run in some pretty handy company while the other two have both looked good at the trials.

- NZ Racing Desk