Mark Twain’s Melbourne Cup preparation looks to have hit a small snag, with forecast rain likely to lead to his withdrawal from Sunday’s meeting at Te Aroha.
“With the weather forecast, he will have to be a doubtful starter, which is a shame because it is a crucial run in a build-up towards Melbourne,” said Roger James, who trains the gelding in partnership with Robert Wellwood.
“The weather is looking bad, and it is a heavy 10 already, so it is probably unlikely (that he will start).”
The son of Shocking was set to contest last year’s Melbourne Cup, having won the ballot-exempt Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington, but a tendon injury last spring curtailed those plans.
He made his first raceday appearance in more than 16 months when he finished last over 1200m at Te Rapa earlier this month, and James was happy enough with the run and has been pleased with his subsequent progression.
The Aroha race was set to be Mark Twain’s last in New Zealand before heading to Australia, where he is likely to contest the Group 3 Bart Cummings (2500m) in a bid to gain a berth in the Melbourne Cup.
