The hunt for New Zealand Trotting Cup glory could be back on for Caribbean Blaster after another week of tweaks and moves on the New Zealand Cup rankings.
His trainer, Andy Gath, told The New Zealand Herald the 6yr-old had recovered well from a virus that had looked like it would end Caribbean Blaster's New Zealand campaign before it started, and he is likely to trial at Melton early next week and race in Sydney on November 2, before flying to Christchurch.
''He got a lot out of the New Zealand Cup trip last season so, at this stage, the trip is back on,'' Gath said.
There have been no withdrawals this week, but Bitobliss and Besotted have made small moves up the rankings.
Bitobliss continued his outstanding Victorian form with a 3.5m win over Smoken Up in a 1.55.4 mile rate over 2240m at Melton on Friday night, earning a two-spot jump up to eighth in the rankings.
His ranking is largely irrelevant, though, as his trainer/driver, Scott Stewart, has not budged - publicly at least - on his plan to stay in Australia and contest the Kilmore Cup on Sunday and the Miracle Mile in Sydney at the end of November.
Besotted (20th to 19th) ended his North Island preparation with a win off a 35m handicap at Alexandra Park on Friday night, but a poor blood report in the days following his win means he will miss the Ashburton Flying Stakes on Monday and will instead head to Kaikoura on November 4.
The rankings.-
Terror To Love 1; Four Starzzz Flash 2; Christen Me 3; Franco Ledger 4; Mah Sish 5; Caribbean Blaster 6; Fly Like An Eagle 7; Bitobliss 8; Highview Tommy 9; Easy On The Eye 10; Jason Rulz 11; Pembrook Benny 12; Suave Stuey Lombo 13; Mach Banner 14; Sleepy Tripp 15; Choise Achiever 16; Jarcullembra 17; Jimmy Johnstone 18; Besotted 19; Pass Them By 20; Gomeo Romeo 21; Ellmer Hanover 22; Elusive Chick 23; Pemberton Shard 24; Cheer The Lady 25; Phantom Grin 26; Smiling Star 27; Better To Be Bad 28; Kiwi Ideal 29; Cam Before The Storm 30. Withdrawn: Chancellor Cullen, River Black, Field Officer, Motu Crusader, I'm Themightyquinn, Captain Peacock, Light In Every Day.
