Trainer Paul Nelson is pleased with his in-form jumper Nedwin heading into the Hydra Cell Wellington Hurdles (3400m) at Trentham on Saturday, he just has one concern – weight.
The son of Niagara has been allotted topweight of 69kg in the nine-horse field, which has taken Nelson a bit by surprise.
“He has gone pretty well and I am very happy with him except for his weight,” said Nelson, who trains in partnership with Corrina McDougal.
“He has only won two races and it is not being treated as a prestige jumping race, it is being treated as a (rating) 75, which is just not right.
“It is run with a prestige stake and we should be given our fair lick at that stake, and I don’t think we are getting it.
“I appreciate the quality of the field and the handicapper has got a hard time to do it, but surely it should be treated as a prestige jump race.
“A two-win horse to me, staying within his grade, shouldn’t be on anything but the minimum.
“I can’t see how we can be given three kilos having not even run in a prestige jumping race.
“Tahuroa Height is there (66kg) and ran third to The Cossack the other day.”
While disheartened by the weight allocation, Nelson is pleased with Nedwin ahead of Saturday and is looking towards the Hospitality NZ Canterbury 132nd Grand National Hurdles (4200m) at Riccarton next month with his charge.
Later on the card the stable will have a two-pronged attack in the Grant Plumbing Wellington Steeplechase (5500m) with No Tip and The Anarchist.
No Tip finished runner-up to stablemate Argyll in the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m) at Hastings last start and Nelson has been pleased with his work ahead of Saturday, while he is hopeful The Anarchist will acquit himself well this weekend.
“No Tip is only a little fella, but if he can carry that weight he will go well, and it will be really wet down there no doubt,” Nelson said.
“It is a bit of an ask for The Anarchist, but we had to give him a go. We wanted to see the race run.”
The stable will also be represented on the flat by Suliman in the Jennian Homes 2200m.
“He will love the track,” Nelson said.
