Wild Willow heavily favoured in Hororata Cup

[Wandering Eyes]

By Mike Love 

Wild Willow will run a short priced favourite ($2.45 FF) in today’s Garrards Horse and Hound Hororata Cup over 3000m at Methven.

The five-year-old Art Major gelding has won five from 10 starts in his career to date and Rakaia trainer Warren Stapleton believes he will be hard to beat again. 

“If he goes anywhere near as good as he did on the second day at Blenheim, after doing all of that work early, he’s got to be hard to beat,” said Stapleton.

“He’s a big strong horse, and it’s a little bit more suited for him this time. There’s only eight in it. He’s sound enough.”

Despite a minor mishap at Blenheim on the second day, Stapleton insists Wild Willow is good to go for today’s assignment. 

“The second day at Blenheim he got skittled at the start. After the race we had to get him stitched. It slightly interrupted his preparation but in saying that we’re happy. He’s missed a wee bit but everything seems to be okay. We’re hopeful.” 

Although Stapleton says Wild Willow’s preparation has not really been too interrupted, they may look to freshen him up win lose or draw after today. 

“We will probably give him ten days off and let everything settle down.”

Wild Willow has had one start at Methven which was the green mile back in December when finishing fourth and only one length behind top tier performer Better Eclipse. 

Stapleton also lines up two other runners today, Ivona Dadic in Race 4,the Fiona Stuart Memorial Pace over the mile, and Spirited Lou in Race 8, the Hamish Scott and Kim Lawson Mobile Pace.

Ivona Dadic will need to overcome a horrible draw of 15. 

“She’s been going well. Went huge on the first day of Blenheim. Terrible draw, over a mile,” says Stapleton, ” she will try hard but she’ll be doing well to get anything from there.”

While Spirited Lou will need a form reversal to trouble the judge despite drawing favourable in one over the 2300m.

“He’s been very disappointing. His formline says it all. His work at home is excellent although we get egg on our faces when we take him to the races. I’m not expecting anything too much from him this time.”

Ricky May will take the drive on all three of Stapleton’s runners, among a busy book of six drives across the meeting. 

Race one gets underway at 12:25pm.

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