Auckland Cup Looms For Merlin

Group One redemption looms for Merlin (NZ) (Art Major) following his pleasing victory in the Group Two Franklin Cup (2700m) at Alexandra Park last Friday night, where he showcased his superb standing start ability.

He stepped away well off the 20m mark and quickly made his way through the field to find the top heading into the first bend. Driver Zachary Butcher dictated terms and Merlin was never headed, running out an eventual half-length victor.

“It was a good field and he had to step quick from the 20m mark and do the work in front. Those closing sectionals were pretty sharp,” Butcher said. “I was pretty happy with him.

“He is just a cool horse. He has been a horse that has been so good from two right the way through. He is a credit to Barry and Scotty and the whole team to have a horse like Merlin race as good as he is every year, it is a huge feat, and I just love the little guy. Every time I see him in the fields I get excited.”

That excitement will come around again in a fortnight when Merlin returns to Alexandra Park to tackle the Group One Auckland Trotting Cup (3200m) at Alexandra Park on New Year’s Eve, where he will be aiming to go one better than last year’s runner-up effort.

“I can guarantee that Scotty and Barry are definitely prepping him for the Auckland Cup, so I would say he would get better with that run,” Butcher said.

“They will have him right on Cup night and I will be very confident going into it.”

Merlin has a strong record over two miles, having also finished fourth in last year’s Group One New Zealand Trotting Cup (3200m) and ran third in last month’s edition, to go alongside his Auckland Trotting Cup runner-up result.

Merlin has now won 23 and placed in 17 of his 47 career starts, and earned more than $1.75 million in prizemoney.

Bred by Taffy Ltd, Merlin is out of unraced Bettor’s Delight mare Imaginary Bet (NZ), the daughter of Group One performer Imagine Me (NZ). She has been a prolific producer, also being the dam of Group One winner Captain Mistress (NZ) and stakes performer Gemma Mac (NZ).

Merlin was offered through Broadfield Lodge’s 2021 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale at Christchurch where he was purchased by Dean Shannon, under his Montana Park banner, for $120,000.