Steeplechaser back for Mor at Hastings
Wanganui trainer Evan Rayner can see no reason why Mr Mor can’t achieve back-to-back wins in today’s Animal Health Direct Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m) at Hastings.
The 11-year-old claimed last year’s Hawke’s Bay Steeples as the first leg of a feature double he completed when he won the Wellington Steeplechase at his next start.
He went on to finish second to High Forty in the Grand National Steeples at Riccarton and Rayner believes his star jumper is in at least as good form going into this year’s Hastings feature.
“He’s done very well,” said Rayner, who trains in partnership with his daughter JJ.
“He needed the run at Awapuni [when fourth in the Manawatu Steeples]. It was too heavy for him. They say he needs it the heavier the better, but if you look through his record that’s not the case at all.
“It was a slow track at Hastings last year and at Wellington they do the figure eight in the centre where the going is better and at Riccarton the steeplechase track is out wide. He won where the tracks were better rather than wetter.”
Mr Mor has won four of his 19 steeplechases, banking more than $135,000 in the role.
Reigning champion jumps jockey Michael Mitchell takes the ride at Hastings and will weigh out for a book weight of 67.5kg.
“The weight is probably the only thing getting to him but at this stage he’s showing he’s still capable of carrying the weight and being competitive,” Rayner said.
“Looking at the field for this weekend, he looks very competitive to me.”
TAB bookmakers seem to agree, installing Mr Mor as a $5.50 third favourite behind I’ve Got This at $2.80 and Brer at $3.80.