By Jordyn Bublitz
Confidence is the key for Look To Da Stars at Cambridge Raceway tonight.
The four-year-old son of Andover Hall lines up in the NZMCA Parking At Cambridge Raceway Handicap Trot (7.54pm) for Pukekohe trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon, with in-form reinsman Andre Poutama taking the drive.
As a three-year-old, he showed flashes of real ability when tested against some of the better trotters in his crop.
“He showed us a bit of promise early, but he hasn’t gone on with it like we thought he would,” Nathan admitted.
The talented but quirky gelding has also earned a reputation for being a little unusual around the barn.
“He’s a real weirdo to be honest, always worried that the bogeyman is around the corner,” Nathan laughed. “He’s not nasty by any means, just a nervous type of horse.”
Back this preparation, Look To Da Stars has had two outings. He made a mistake fresh-up, but his second start was much more encouraging when running into fourth at Alexandra Park. Nathan felt there were genuine positives to take from that run.
“He was really good last start, Dad just said he was a little awkward around the last turn going Auckland way round. He does seem to trot better left-handed so hopefully that aids his chances,” he said.
Tonight’s assignment represents a noticeable ease in company for the gelding. After tackling quality opposition throughout his career, both in age group features and recent higher-grade events at Alexandra Park, the Cambridge field looks far more manageable.
“No disrespect to the other runners but he’s faced a lot tougher opposition in his career than what he’s up against tonight, he just needs to keep his head screwed on,” Nathan said.
He is currently a $3.20 favourite in what’s just a six horse field.
Confidence is the key word for both horse and connections, with tonight’s trip designed to help the gelding rebuild his self-belief.
“The main reason for going to Cambridge is to try and get his confidence back up, he’s found a class where he should be quite hard to beat.”
Cambridge’s eight race programme starts at 5.04pm.
