Former Hong Kong galloper Not Ideal will once again return to the winterless north this weekend to try and extend his blossoming home record.
The seven-year-old gelding won his first two starts in New Zealand as a three-year-old for former trainer Tony Pike before furthering his tally to six in Hong Kong under the guidance of Ricky Yiu, and has returned to his homeland to see out his racing career with Ken Harrison.
Not Ideal has had two outings for the Cambridge horseman, both at Ruakaka, for a first-up runner-up effort before returning to his winning ways at the Northland track last start.
Harrison has big spring plans for the son of Nicconi but will decide a set plan following his run in Saturday’s 9 Sep Alibaba’s Flying Carpets Kerikeri (1100m).
Set to carry 62kg alongside equal topweight Dragon Leap, Harrison has elected to seek weight relief for Not Ideal courtesy of apprentice jockey Triston Moodley’s four-kilogram claim.
“I thought we would go up there and have a run around on a good track,” Harrison said.
“In the sprint, I didn’t want to hammer him too much with these bigger races coming up at Hastings and possibly the Foxbridge (Gr.2, 1200m).
“It is a reasonable field and it is no given, that is for sure.”
While Harrison is eyeing the Foxbridge Plate at Te Rapa on August 26, he said the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings on September 9 is a more likely target for his charge.
“I was going to go to the Foxbridge but he is probably just a bit too fresh at the moment. I’ll just give him a run up there on Saturday and see how he is after that,” he said.
“But at this stage I am leaning more toward Hastings.”
Harrison is enjoying having Not Ideal in his barn and is looking forward to the spring ahead with his gelding.
“He is a pleasure to have around. He is pretty good to do anything with and I just hope he stays sound,” he said.
Not Ideal has been installed a $3.80 second favourite for Saturday’s contest behind Group Two winner Dragon Leap at $3.50.
Harrison will also head north with last start winner King Khan and Meandeel.
“I just hope it isn’t too firm for King Khan,” he said.
“He needs a little bit of cut in the ground, but he won well the other day at Hastings.
“Meandeel has just been a bit slow in coming up this year, but the better track might suit him a little bit better.”