So far it has been a very happy reunion for Mark Purdon and his young harness racing star Our Waikiki Beach.
While the megastar three-year-old has raced 10 times for nine wins, a second and earned almost $200,000 this season, Purdon hasn’t actually seen much of him because he’s been racing exclusively in Australia.
Purdon spent all last week with the gelding – and his other four Breeders Crown hopefuls – and didn’t hide his excitement.
“Gee he’s well. He’s right where I want him, very forward,” he said.
Our Waikiki Beach underlined that when he simply outclassed and out-zipped two high class rivals in Menin Gate and Franco Cristiano at Melton last Friday night.
Before the race, Purdon said: “He’s so well, I think he’ll win if he gets a decent run, but he not get that.”
Purdon’s wish came true when Menin Gate led, Our Waikiki Beach made an early move to sit parked then landed the one-one trail behind Franco Cristiano.
Despite some awesome closing splits, Our Waikiki Beach was too fast. He peeled out of the perfect trail and stormed past Menin Gate to win by two metres with another 3.3m away to a very gallant Franco Cristiano in third spot.
“He felt great. It’s just the run he needed. He’s ready for the semis (of the Crown) now,” Purdon said.
The mile rate was 1min53.8sec with closing splits of 55.8 and 27.6sec, but Our Waikiki Beach was timed to run a 27.2sec last quarter.
Let’s remember the horse he ran down did win three Derbys last season and is the reigning Victorian Horse of the Year.
Franco Cristiano’s first Aussie run was a gem given he needed the hitout, did the midrace work and fought on so well.
But it’s still hard to see him how he can turn the tables on Our Waikiki Beach.
It was a good weekend for Purdon and his Crown players with two-year-old Pacing Major also winning against older rivals at Ballarat last Friday night.
“It was just the run I’d hoped for. He needed it and I’m glad I got the run into him before the semis,” he said.
Purdon said his other three Crown contenders were also right on target.
“I’m actually really happy with all of mine,” he said.
“I think I’ll give Custodian another run at Melton next weekend. He went really well at Maryborough and another run will bring him right on for the Crown.”
Adam Hamilton