Graham Richardson is going through his worst nightmare aiming Platonic in tomorrow's Thorndon Mile at Trentham.
He is terrified of having to put blinkers on the class mare for the first time in a group one race, but knows he has no choice.
His horror comes from Platonic's wayward exhibition in the $150,000 Highview Stud Classic at Ellerslie on January 2, when Leith Innes had to pull the mare back to half pace to stop her galloping into the outside running rail in the closing 100m.
Platonic finished sixth and would almost certainly have won.
"It's the worst thing that's happened to me in racing," said Richardson as he headed to Wellington.
The Matamata trainer is certain Platonic was shying away from signage on the inside of the track.
"She gawked at something at the same spot during her preliminary."
The almost ridiculous closeness of sponsorship marquees and their guests lining very close inside the running rail at Trentham on Wellington Cup day is the reason Richardson says he no choice but to put blinkers on Platonic.
"Putting blinkers on for the first time in a group one race is something you'd never do, but I have to.
"Horses stand a good chance of missing the jump in their first race start in blinkers, but that's a chance we'll have to take.
"In the last few years we've seen horses have their chances badly affected by those people just inside the running rail.
"They shouldn't be allowed to be so close."
A stone bruise last weekend came at a bad time for Platonic, but Richardson says he is lucky it has not affected the mare's preparation.
"She's very fit and I couldn't be happier with her. Her No8 barrier is perfect for her."
Provided she jumps away with them.
Racing: Signs force blinker use
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