Classy pacer Mr Mojito is a definite Harness Jewels runner.
The four-year-old returned from a lengthy spell at his first run for new trainer-driver Kerryn Manning when third in the Group 2 4&5YO Championship at Melton last night (Saturday).
Owner Merv Butterworth was delighted with the run.
"I'm thrilled times three," he said. "It was his run in a long time and to push through at the start when they were really burning and still fight it right out at the finish was terrific.
"It was such a solidly run race and, even though he got the inside run, his lack of racing was always going to be the issue.
"He hit the front a fair way out and just kept digging in. We were delighted."
Butterworth said it was an ideal lead-up to a Jewels raid.
"He'll come on a lot for the run and the trip across will tighten him up, too," he said.
Mr Mojito boards a plane to Auckland on Thursday, will stable briefly at Tony Herlihy's then fly down to Christchurch to stable back his old "home" the Allstars' barn to prepare for the Jewels.
Butterworth knows the enormity of the challenge.
"We wouldn't be going if we didn't think he was a winning chance," he said. "Heavens Rock is the one to beat. He's a tremendous talent, but he's still got his quirks and has to do it all right on the day."
Mr Mojito is a $4.50 third favourite on the Aussie TAB behind Heavens Rock $1.60 and Our Waikiki Beach $3.50.
Butterworth is also looking forward to the 3YO Ruby where his young trotter President Roydon is $7.50 equal second favourite behind Enghein.
"His run was terrific last Friday and it's given us hope we can cause the upset at the Jewels," he said
Adam Hamilton