Harness racing trainer Barry Purdon bought Iron Hawk last year with New Zealand Cup Week in mind, and now the moment has arrived, with the stakes performer set to tackle the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) at Riccarton on Wednesday.
A legend of his sport, Purdon has always had a keen interest in the thoroughbred code and has raced several horses with Wexford Stables, but with New Zealand Cup Week the primary aim, he entrusted Iron Hawk to Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson after bidding to A$70,000 to secure him off Inglis Digital last December.
The son of Written Tycoon hasn’t put a foot wrong, winning three and placing in four of his seven starts for Robinson, including runner-up in the Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton on ANZAC Day.
Robinson has been pleased with his progression this preparation, having won first-up over 1200m on a Heavy9 track at Riccarton in September before placing over 1200m and 1400m on Soft5 and Good3 tracks respectively.
Riccarton was rated a Soft7 on Tuesday morning, with rain forecast through the day, which Robinson said would only aid Iron Hawk’s chances.
“Everything has gone to plan, he is excellent and I couldn’t be happier,” Robinson said. “The draw (10) is perfect. There is a bit of rain around and it gives him a bit of room.
“It is a good day tomorrow, but we are getting a bit of light rain today, so there will definitely be cut in the track.”
Iron Hawk is currently $11 with TAB bookmakers, in a market headed by Hakkinen at $2.70.
Purdon’s famous colours also featured on the opening day of the carnival when fellow Inglis Digital purchase North England ran fourth for Robinson in the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) in his New Zealand debut.
The Farnan entire was set to back up in Saturday’s Listed Lindauer Stewards’ Stakes (1200m), but Robinson has elected to bypass the race, with last Saturday’s run being his first in 10 months.
“I was thrilled with his run and he has come through it super,” Robinson said. “We have pulled him out of the Stewards as the back-up was a bit quick because he hasn’t raced for a year.
“There are plenty of options around for him, so we will just be a little patient with him and place him in the right races.”
Purdon will also be shooting for his fifth Gr.1 New Zealand Trotting Cup (3200m) at Addington Raceway later today with Better Knuckle Up and Merlin, and Robinson is hoping he can celebrate success in both codes by the end of tomorrow.
“He is one to support Cup Week, and he is certainly doing that,” Robinson said. “I hope he has some luck.”
Robinson will be represented by a quartet of other runners at Riccarton on Wednesday, including a dual-pronged attack in the Chris Johnson Three-Year-Old Sprinters Challenge (1200m) courtesy of Ataahualuciddream and Dulce Caballo.
Ataahualuciddream will be seeking to improve on his debut runner-up effort at Timaru last month, while debut winner Dulce Caballo will be looking to bounce back following her unplaced run in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m).
“Ataahualuciddream missed a run the other day at Ashburton when they called the races off,” Robinson said. “It is a good race for him and we really like him. He has been working well and should run well.
“Dulce Caballo is a lovely filly and has done everything right. The cut in the ground tomorrow will help and she has a good rider (Masa Hashizume) on.”
Robinson will also line-up Percival in the Avon City Ford Premier (2000m) and Eight Pence in the Halls Cold Chain Logistics Premier (1800m).
“Percival didn’t have a lot of luck at Ashburton the other day, he got trapped on the inside and got held up for quite a bit,” Robinson said. “He was late getting clear air and didn’t have a lot of galloping room in the straight.
“He steps up to 2000m for the first time, but I don’t think that will be a problem the way he races. He should be very competitive.
“Eight Pence gets two kilos off. He has done really well and a bit of cut in the ground won’t bother him either.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
