“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
A fitting quote by publisher Mark Twain himself as we look towards the debut run of Mark Twain, the horse, at Pukekohe, NZ on Tuesday. We will find out if he has enough fight in him to make an impression in his first ever race start for Roger James and Robert Wellwood, who train out of Cambridge.
The 3yo son of Shocking joined OTI in March this year. He since has settled into the stable routine well and after a first jump out and let up, he returned to work and settled straight back into his training. Since returning he has completed two trials in which he pleased his trainers and is now ready to make his debut at the races.
Watch his first trial at Cambridge below, where he finishes second (starts at 3:50min mark – OTI silks).
As a son of Shocking, it was always the plan to give him time to mature and start his racing career as a three-year-old. While reluctant to compare, he certainly has many of the characteristics of I’m Thunderstruck, who is also by Shocking.
The gelding will start in Race 7, a Maiden over 1400m and will be ridden by Craig Grylls at 57kg.
See the full field and all race details here. (click Race 7)
We hope he can live up to the likings of I’m Thunderstruck and Hezashocka.
Best of luck to all connections!