Purdon to race Oscar Bonavena in the US

A desire to take on some on the best trotters in the world is one reason Oscar Bonavena won’t be at this season’s Inter Dominions in Auckland.

Trainer Mark Purdon believes the sensational four-year-old is good enough to race extensively in North America and that is his ambitious long-term aim with Monday’s stunning Ashburton winner.

Purdon and training partner Natalie Rasmussen didn’t pay up yesterday for the Inter Dominions which begin at Alexandra Park on November 29, preferring to concentrate on the Dominion at Addington on November 15 and Australia later in the season.

“I think if we look after him now it will pay dividends in the long run and the series can be hard on horses,” said Purdon.

“So he will miss the Inters and his next start will be in the Dominion.

“Then he can head north for the Flying Mile at Cambridge (December 24) and the National Trot (December 31).

“After that we want to look at Australia, where the Great Southern Star at Melton will be his big aim.”

But Purdon is thinking even further ahead, with plans for Oscar Bonavena to be staked for the best races in North America for a long campaign.

Just when and for how long could depend on how he handles their racing style.

“I’d love to give him his chance up there because I think he is good enough and the money is so big.

“So we will stake him for those and whether we train him up there or Chris (Ryder, part owner) takes him over we will decide closer to time.

“So while that is all a long way off that is the plan and one of the reasons we are missing the Inters.”

Oscar Bonavena has the raw speed and stamina to go close to a 1:50 mile time under the right circumstances.

The Interdom trotting series has been hit hard by withdrawals but is still headlined by Marcoola, Sundees Son, Majestic Man, Temporale, Massive Metro and Lemond.