Take two showed Blair Orange everything he needed to see before the group 3 Hannon Memorial.
After claiming last year’s edition of the Oamaru feature, the leading reinsman is back in 2025, renewing his association with star pacer Don’t Stop Dreaming.
Don’t Stop Dreaming starts his march towards the New Zealand Cup tomorrow, having trialled twice for trainers Hayden and Amanda Cullen.
The first of those was a quiet outing, but the second gave Orange the feel he wanted.
"I’ve been happy with his two trials back. The first run was a quiet one and then last week he actually trialled really nice and punched the line as good as he could."
"He’s got a good barrier draw [1] on Sunday and I expect him to be thereabouts."
Their established star status has seen Don’t Stop Dreaming and 2023 Hannon Memorial winner Akuta dominate the market for this year’s race.
Akuta has the benefit of having three starts back this time in, which effectively hands him the favouritism tag ahead of his No 1 rival.
Akuta returns to Oamaru for the first time in two years following a fighting fifth in the New Brighton Cup, which is sure to have helped build his fitness levels following his return from a lengthy layoff.
Don’t Stop Dreaming is among a powerful book of drives for Orange on Hannon Memorial Day.
The reinsman links up with Nellie Doyle, who also starts fresh up at Oamaru, in the group 3 Jasmyn’s Gift Stakes.
"I haven't driven her at the trials in her couple of runs back this time, but from what I've seen she's looked good."
"She's a horse that's taken some good steps in a very short time. Look for her late but she'll improve with this run."
General Jen looks one of Orange’s best winning hopes at Oamaru.
The classy filly is another returning fresh after trialling well and she has a big advantage over her key rivals in a strong Nevele R Fillies Series heat, having drawn barrier 2.
"She's a lovely 3-year-old and she’s got the right barrier draw over some of the harder ones."
"Hopefully we can put that to her advantage and she can be hard to beat."
Helius is another winning threat for Orange, going into Sunday’s 2-year-old feature unbeaten in his only start at the races.
"He's a progressive horse, and his trial last week was nice."
"He's got good gate speed to utilise."
"He'll leave everything out there. He's not paid up for anything and he'll go to the paddock after this."
Helius’ stablemate, Rockin Roman, looks an each-way threat for Orange while Love- yourmother is another genuine winning hope in the last of the day.
