Racing: Purdon confident but wary of rivals

Respect earned over the past two years is why Mark Purdon isn't getting carried away about tonight's Messenger Championship at Alexandra Park.

While he trains race favourite Sleepy Tripp, Purdon fears the awesome sprinting power of Tintin In America.

Sleepy Tripp produced the run of the race in the Taylor Mile last Friday, sitting three wide virtually the whole trip before being grabbed late by Second Wind, who had the perfect run.

That sees Purdon going into tonight's $150,000 Messenger confident he has the horse to beat but he is still wary.

"I was thrilled with my horse last week and the 2700m will suit him," said Purdon.

"But there were a couple of unlucky horses in that race last week, including Tintin In America.

"If he got the right drag into the race he will be awfully hard to beat."

Purdon is wise to be concerned. Tintin In America has denied him group one glory in each of the past two season, downing Purdon pacers in the Sires' Stakes Final at two and the Harness Jewels last year.

Sleepy Tripp deserves favouritism tonight, with his Easter Cup win proving his staying credentials and with the other major players in the Messenger drawn poorly.

Tintin In America is the obvious threat, while the Australian stars Captain Joy, who was unlucky last Friday; and Bonavista Bay will both relish a hard 2700m.

Those looking for trifecta or First4 value could do worse than Vi Et Animo, who should enjoy a cosy run just off the speed.

Purdon faces a similar situation to the Messenger with the draws in the $170,000 Sires' Stakes Fillies Final, where his runner Collectable will start from the outside of the front line but the two other favourites, Better Cover Lover and Paradise City are off the second line.

"I wasn't thrilled with our draw but I suppose it has been evened up by the other big names being off the second line.

"I don't think there is a lot between them all though and a lot will depend on who ends up where in the running."

Collectable has the best chance of getting a clear run though so looks top pick, although Better Cover Lover and Paradise City could easily change that with luck inside the first 400m.

In the night's feature, the Rowe Cup, Purdon opts for I Can Doosit, to be driven by Blair Orange, as his better chance even after Pocaro's storming late second, relegated to third, in last Friday's lead-up.

"She [Pocaro] was very good but I still think she will need to be driven for luck to get the 3200m just yet.

"Whereas, I Can Doosit is a good stayer so I will go for him as our best chance."

In the Trotting Derby he says Emma Hamilton will struggle to turn the tables on last Friday's conqueror Kahdon.

"The way she won we might be racing for second or third and I thought Miami H was good, too, so it looks a tough race."