Veteran South Island stayer Bonsai Pipeline may be on his final trip away from home according to owner-trainer Robert Thomas.
The nine-year-old has got the "visitor's draw" in the rich Marton Cup today but this doesn't faze Thomas.
"There's not much you can do about it," Thomas said.
"I got a wide ally last time I was here, yet he still ran a close third behind Esprit De Corps. There's a long run to the first turn and the old fellow knows how to get himself positioned.
"There is plenty of luck necessary in any big race and especially one with full numbers like the Marton Cup."
Despite the fact that his pride and joy has been out of the winner's circle for more than two year's Thomas retains a positive outlook towards Bonsai Pipeline's prospects.
In his final trial at Awapuni on Thursday, Thomas said the gelding had only an easy 800m gallop because Bonsai Pipeline had a strong workout before leaving Ashburton. That coupled with the long trip justified him not asking too much of the veteran.
Bonsai Pipeline's last win was in the Canterbury Gold Cup in October 1998 where he beat the favourite and Central Districts champion miler-middle distance galloper Avedon by half a length.
Thomas campaigned Bonsai Pipeline as a six-year-old over the Melbourne Cup carnival, where he won the group two Perrier Stakes (2400m), formerly Herbert Power Handicap, while his best other efforts were a fifth in the Naturalism Stakes and seventh in the Werribee Cup.
Thomas enjoys his trips away as much as his horse and was second behind Ed in the 1997 Wellington Cup. Last season they came north for the Manawatu, Marton and Wellington Cups for a lone third placing in the Marton Cup.
Thomas was pleased with his latest race which produced a third at the Otago meeting on Boxing Day. Judging by his appearance on Thursday he has thrived since then and should strip a fit horse for today's feature.
He has had 27 starts since wining the Canterbury Gold Cup with only nine minor placings, but his earnings are in excess of $312,000, so he's more than paid his way for Thomas.
History around the Central Districts shows that age hasn't been a bar to leading roles.
- NZPA
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