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BRISBANE: Queensland trainer Shaun Dwyer could get an unexpected gift on his return from a holiday in New Zealand if Atapi wins the Tattersall's Mile at Eagle Farm today.
Dwyer's close friend, Kiwi trainer Richard Otto, is considering heading back home without Atapi and leaving the 5-year-old in Dwyer's care.
Dwyer and Otto both train for New Zealand businessman John Thompson who owns Atapi.
Otto has been a regular winter visitor to Brisbane in the past few years and has left several horses with Dwyer in that period.
The most notable was the Thompson-owned Pacific Dancer, who came to Brisbane for the winter in 2004 and went on under Dwyer's name to win the Grafton Cup (2400m) which won him a tilt at the Melbourne Cup.
But after winning the Geelong Cup (2400m), Pacific Dancer failed in the Melbourne Cup, finishing 21st to Makybe Diva.
Otto is confident Atapi, a Stathi Katsidis mount, can wind up his winter campaign on a winning note in the 1600m feature before heading to the spelling paddock.
The Last Tycoon gelding, who has earned more than A$300,000 ($330,000) in prize money with Otto, won the Listed Phil Sullivan Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 11 for champion jockey Damien Oliver.
Otto rated Atapi unlucky at his last start when seventh to Roman Squire in the Listed Tatt's Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 23.
"He hasn't raced for four weeks and he races best fresh. "Just about every time he comes off a break like this he wins, so I think you'll see the best of him this time.
"This will probably be his last run. He'll probably spell in Queensland after this and I might leave him with Shaun and set him for the triple crown races in the summer."
- AAP
