There are bigger fish to fry for the two top contenders in the Kurow Cup at Oamaru tomorrow.
The cup lost Bettor Sensation through his scratching but Don Domingo and Forgotten Highway shape as the two horses to fight out the finish.
Don Domingo had a long break in the autumn and early winter before he lined up at Addington earlier this month where he finished fourth over the Kurow Cup distance of 2600m.
This will be his second start in a campaign which has some lofty ambitions.
West Melton trainer Ken Barron said Don Domingo, to be driven by Blair Orange, was shaping up well.
"He had a good run first up at Addington and looked good. I’m pretty happy where he is. Off the back mark [30m] is always tough but it is what you would expect," Barron said.
"I’m not sure how he will race, but he is the sort of horse that only has one shot at them."
Barron said the focus would be on just racing well and Don Domingo would then have another three to four races before looking at lining up in the New Zealand Cup.
"It’s just a stepping stone for him," he said of the Kurow Cup.
Barron was confident the 30m would not be too much of a handicap. Forgotten Highway was the other horse to watch, Barron said. Forgotten Highway, a 5yr-old with Mitchell Kerr at Rangiora, had disappointed somewhat in his last hit-out, finishing sixth after not getting into contention early. But Kerr is confident Forgotten Highway would come back well.
"I’m hopeful he’ll put his best foot forward. He’s a nice horse and I’m pretty happy with how he is feeling."
Ultimately, Forgotten Highway would be aimed to compete against the bog boys, as Kerr termed it, in November, so this race was a means that aim.
"It’s a good race for him to get amongst it and also see him coming into some form."
Gypsy’s Choice, to be driven by Matt Williamson for Canterbury trainer Brad Mowbray, could also run in the money.
She finished third at Addington earlier this month but this could be more competitive company for the 6yr-old mare.
