Strong Aussie flavour to Merlin's win

Merlin - NZ Pacing Free For All Win 2024. Photo by HRNZ.

IN a stellar week for the Aussies, there was even a strong Australian flavour to Merlin's sparkling $NZ200,000 Group 1 NZ Pacing Free-For-All win.

Merlin is trained by master Kiwi horseman Barry Purdon and his partner Scott Phelan but owned by Queensland-based Dean Shannon.

It was something of a consolation win for Merlin's team after he disappointed slightly when fourth in last Tuesday's $NZ1mil NZ Cup.

"He felt amazing today. He just travelled so well for me," driver Zachary Butcher said. "When Kate (Gath, Catch A Wave) went for home, I was happy to sit and wait because he felt like he had plenty to give."

"When I asked him, he really put the race away quickly."

It was Merlin's 21st win from just 33 starts and took his earnings close to $NZ1.4 million.

"He's taken me on such a special ride on this horse; he'd have to be my favourite now," Butcher said.

Purdon added: "That's the horse I thought we'd see on Tuesday. I still don't think it was not running the 3200m on Tuesday; for some reason, he was better today, though."

"He's up with that very top group of horses I've trained and I'm so happy for the horse he's come out and done this today."

Merlin has a new $200,000 4YO feature race at Addington on December 6 before Purdon and Phelan plot more feature race targets.

They are set to include a trip to Australia to target the $1mil Miracle Mile at Menangle in March.

Aussie star Catch A Wave had his chance after dictating terms in front and finishing third.

"He couldn't have asked for a better chance," trainer Andy Gath said. "He's pulled up blowing really hard, which is surprising given the run he had."

Another Aussie, Better Eclipse, added to his fantastic feature race record with a terrific second to Merlin.

'We just love him. We thought he might have finished a little bit closer to Swayzee in the Cup on Tuesday after the run he had, but he was back to his best today," part-owner Joe Bajada said.