Racing: Positive indications for hurdler

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What a fabulous trial for next week's big hurdle race in Melbourne by Indikator on Saturday.

Sensational probably covers it better.

Indikator's fast-closing third in the 2000m open handicap at Caulfield on Saturday has delighted trainers Keith and Gavin Opie heading into this weekend's A$200,000 ($214,000) Australian Hurdles.

The New Zealander definitely looks the horse to beat in the historic race after Saturday's run.

With million dollar-earning jumper Gotta Take Care reducing his weight by 2kg to 58kg via Harry Coffey's allowance, he carried 1kg less than Indikator's 59kg, in a flat race that matched up the two likely favourites for the big jumps event.

Gavin Opie said yesterday the stable checked with the chief Melbourne handicapper before the trip was confirmed to see what weight Indikator was likely to receive for the Australian Hurdles, when handicaps are declared tomorrow.

"They told us he'd get 64kg with Gotta Take Care 6kg more on 70kg."

Gotta Take Care finished nicely into second, three-quarters of a length ahead of the rapidly-finishing Indikator on Saturday, but in this week's big race there will be a 7kg swing around in Indikator's favour.

"We needed to know what weight he was going to get in Melbourne because we weren't prepared to go unless [regular jumps rider] Craig Thornton was involved.

"We asked Craig if he could get down to 64kg and he assured us he would." That puts Thornton on a dry cracker diet this week, but it should be worth it.

There is plenty at stake for the connections of Gotta Take Care, who will pick up a A$300,000 bonus if he can win the big race.

"I asked dad what he thought of his first look at Gotta Take Care in the birdcage yesterday and he said he looked a picture and ready to run a huge race next week," said Gavin Opie.

The stable was equally delighted with Luke Nolan's ride on Indikator.

"He said to dad when he legged him on: 'You're in the hurdles next week, I'll make sure he finds the line for you'.

"That was the plan and that's exactly what he did."