There is little leading trainer Jamie Richards can’t do, and while his focus will be on overseeing Melody Belle’s swansong run in the Gr.1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on Saturday, he will have an eye on Te Rapa where he will be represented by Bak Da Master in the Fairview Motors Waikato Hurdle (3200m).
A comfortable winner at the same course a fortnight ago, Richards said the six-year-old, who is $2.30 favourite for the premier jumping event, had come on for the run.
“He’ll run well, he loves the jumping. He’ll go forward and lead I would say, he seems to enjoy being out there rolling along,” Richards said.
“The horse is in good shape, he’s had a couple weeks since his last run. He’s improved for that and this is a good test for him. He probably doesn’t want too much more rain, another nice day to get that track back a little bit would be a help to him.
“He’s in great shape and it’s something we enjoy doing, having a couple of jumpers in the winter. It’s a different type of training and a different type of fitness, but something that we do enjoy.”
The Te Akau trainer will also be represented by a further six runners on the flat, including maiden winner Devoted who looks to take the next step in Rating 65 company.
