Millwood Nike bounces back with trial win

By Michael Guerin

Unbeaten filly Millwood Nike’s spring campaign is back on track after a winning trial at Ashburton on Tuesday.

The 15-from-15 filly missed her latest engagement at Ashburton last week because of a stable incident on the day of the race but was back at the same track for a 2400m standing start trial.

And it wasn’t just any trial as she took on her stablemate and NZ Derby favourite Don’t Stop Dreaming and beat him home by a head.

“They were both good and went to the line together but she just beat him home,” said trainer Mark Purdon.

“She she has taken no harm from missing that race last week but to have her ready for Cup day she will also go to the Cup trials next Wednesday.”

Millwood Nike came off a 10m handicap to win the trial in 3:05.0, the last 800m in 55.2 seconds and final 400m in 26.6, with the Purdon pair a half length in front of the talented Wheels Of Fortune.

Millwood Nike is the $1.30 favourite for the Nevele R Fillies Final on Cup Day over Mantra Blue, who makes her South Island debut at Addington on Friday.

Don’t Stop Dreaming was stunning winning his last start in the Three-Year-Old Flying Stakes and could even start in the junior free-for-all on Cup Day as he preps for the New Zealand Derby on December 10, for which he is the $2.10 favourite.