By Mike Love
Franco Marek ($5.50FF) will be looking to make his case stronger for a spot in this year’s IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup by producing a stout effort in today’s Group 3 Alabar Methven Cup (4.36pm).
Currently ranked 13th for the New Zealand Cup, Franco Marek, who will start from a 10 metre handicap, gets his chance to move in the right direction today in a race where conditions should suit the big gelding and Lincoln trainer Greg Manson believes the seven year old A Rocknroll Dance is up to the task.
“He’s in great order, I don’t think he’s been in a better spot,” said Manson of Franco Marek’s condition.
Franco Marek has had three runs back this campaign for three placings, and has won a quiet Methven workout since last racing on September 5 where he finished third to Alta Meteor in the New Brighton cup clocking his final 800m in 53 seconds.
“He may get a good run without having to do a lot of work.”
John Morrison will drive Franco Marek in what is now a nine horse field with Akuta ($1.50FF) the obvious horse to beat for co-trainer and driver Mark Purdon despite needing to overcome a 30m handicap.
“The the main goal is to cement his spot in the cup.
“There should be no excuses if he can’t go a good race,” said Manson.
Franco Marek gained a lot of fans during cup week last year with big runs in both the New Zealand Cup and the Free For All on Show Day. Manson has reflected and taken a different approach leading into it this year.
“I had him up pretty good and early this time around. I felt we may have been a bit underdone last year. So we have had three races already, now it’s all just about keeping him ready.”
Other chances in the event outside of Franco Marek and Akuta include the Brent and Tim White trained American Me ($14.00FF) and Dalton Shard ($8.50FF) for Robert and Jenna Dunn.
Race one gets underway at midday.