Star jumping stablemates The Cossack (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) and Nedwin (NZ) (Niagara) will have to cope with the heftiest of imposts on Saturday if they are to repeat their Te Rapa heroics of 12 months ago.
The Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal-trained pair will both have to lump the maximum topweights of 73kg in the Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) and Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdles (3200m) in their respective title defences.
The Cossack was a dominant winner a year ago with 68.5kg and has coped admirably with more weight in the past, albeit over the smaller fences.
“He’s carried it before, Nedwin hasn’t yet, over hurdles and he seems to have come up well again,” Nelson said.
“If he’s not competitive with it (over steeples) then it’s probably not going to get any better for him.”
Two winters ago, The Cossack comfortably won both the Hawke’s Bay Hurdle (3100m) and KS Browne Hurdle (3100m) under 73kg.
The 10-year-old, who will be partnered by Hamish McNeill, has won four of his seven starts over the big fences and goes into Saturday’s contest off the back of an unplaced flat outing in the Woodville Cup (2100m).
“We were a bit behind, but I think we have caught up,” Nelson said.
“We usually have quite a few jump-outs here and that helps get them ready, but we haven’t had them much at all at Hawke’s Bay with the track reconstruction.”
Nelson will lock in The Cossack’s next appearances after the weekend with Trentham the most likely port of call.
“We’ll probably got to Wellington after this if we’re happy, I’m not sure about the National and we’ll wait and see how he goes,” he said.
Barnmate and past Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m) placegetter The Anarchist (NZ) (Raise The Flag) will also go around in the Waikato Steeples following a late-closing fifth over the big jumps when resuming last month off an 11-month break.
“He is as tough as old boots and was very good at Hawera,” Nelson said.
“It’s taken a long time, but I think he’s learned to be a racehorse.”
Nick Downs will guide The Anarchist’s fortunes and will also be aboard Nedwin, who carried 70kg to victory 12 months ago.
“I’m happy with him but it’s been a bit unfortunate for him because he hasn’t had the lead-up races like last year,” Nelson said.
“He won a couple on the flat when the tracks were wetter and this year we haven’t struck a proper wet track so hopefully we get one of those on Saturday.”
Nedwin has won six of his 10 starts over the smaller fences, including last season’s Great Northern Hurdle (4200m), and is likely to take on a new role this winter.
“I would be considering a steeplechase for him at some stage this time around,” Nelson said.
