Purdon gives insight into All Stars team

The All Stars stable of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen look set to dominate the Harness Jewels with 23 runners across nine races.

Purdon drives Northern Velocity in the two–year–old Diamond but thinks he and the rest of the field may only be chasing place money with All Stars filly Dream About Me a dominant favorite.

‘‘I really think Dream About Me is a class above them even from her wide draw,’’ Purdon said.

All Stars runner High Gait is favourite in the two–year–old Ruby despite a tricky second line draw but Purdon predicts she may get a nice drag through behind stablemate Missandei. Purdon was not sure Missandei could lead from barrier two but thinks she can hold her own to get a handy trip.

‘‘She may not be the quickest but she’s trotting pretty solid there may be a few breakers in that race and gaps could open up.’’

Purdon said Willow is close to being back to her best and is a chance in the four–year–old Diamond against Venus Serena.

‘‘She’s won tough lately, which is a good sign because she is obviously going to have to get out and around them at some stage.’’

Purdon has not written off the chances of the improving Prince Fearless in the three–year–old Ruby.

He said if Prince Fearless could hold the lead from his draw he is some chance to hold out favourites Speeding Spur and Monbet.

Fight For Glory is a chance in the three–year–old Diamond but Purdon thinks The Orange Agent will be very tough to beat

The All Stars look set to win the two–year–old Emerald with either Chase The Dream or Lazarus.

‘‘It will be very even, they are both very talented young horses and probably only their runs separates them.

If they both got the right run I’d think they would be there at the finish fighting it out head-to-head,’’ Purdon said.

Favourite King Denny should be tough to beat in the four–year– old Ruby as long as he trots the whole way.

‘‘He seems pretty full of himself at the moment so we just have to hope he steps,’’ Purdon said.

Isaiah starts off the second line in the four–year–old Emerald and Purdon said he will be much improved on Saturday’s workout.

All Stars stablemates Have Faith In Me and Follow The Stars are all the rage in the three–year– old Emerald and rightly so but Purdon does not think Hug The Wind can be written off.

‘‘All anyone seems to talk about is Have Faith In Me and can Follow The Stars turn the tables, that seems to be the topic at the moment.

‘‘But Hug The Wind has been overlooked from the draw and he’s very well,’’ Purdon said.

Fairfax