Merlin (NZ) Deals To Rivals In Group One FFA

Merlin’s (NZ) (Art Major) commanding victory in the $200,000 Allied Security Group One New Zealand Free-For-All (1980m) left a stellar field without an excuse in the world.

The NZB Standardbred graduate was forced to work harder than any of his rivals from his tough draw at Addington on Show Day.

But his tough task could not stop the brilliant four-year-old from unleashing a powerhouse performance to win for trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan and driver Zachary Butcher.

Merlin was caught wide early in the New Zealand Free-For-All before making it to the parked position in the middle stages of Friday’s time-honoured feature.

When things got serious on the home turn, Merlin and Butcher set down for a homestraight battle with Australian stars Catch A Wave (AUS) (Captaintreacherous) and Kate Gath.

And it was a task they were well and truly up for.

“He felt amazing today, he just travelled so well for me,” Butcher said.

“When Kate 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.”

With his outstanding win, Merlin took his career earnings past an impressive $1.3million in just 33 starts.

“He’s taken me on such a special ride on this horse, he’d have to be my favourite now,” Butcher said.

Nobody in the history of New Zealand harness racing has trained more winners than Barry Purdon.

So, when the master trainer says Merlin is up with the best horses he has had in his care it is a serious assessment.

“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,” Purdon said.

Merlin came into the New Zealand Free-For-All after a creditable fourth placing in the Group One New Zealand Cup (3200m) just three days prior.

Though some have suggested the brilliant pacer isn’t at his best over the extreme distance, Purdon disagrees.

“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.”

Merlin will get another shot at 3200m in the Group One Auckland Cup (3200m) at Alexandra Park on New Year’s Eve.

Merlin’s victory capped a huge Show Day for breeders Taffy Ltd and broodmare Imaginary Bet (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).

Merlin’s half-sister Captains Mistress (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) won the $184,000 Group One Sires Stakes Fillies Championship (1980m) at Addington on Show Day.

Vendor	Taffy Ltd
Purchaser	Montana Park P/L
Breeding	Art Major - Imaginary Bet Bay Colt
Sale	2021 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Christchurch $120,000
Breeder	Taffy Ltd