Change of scenery for Don't Stop Dreaming

There's been another development regarding leading IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup chance Don't Stop Dreaming.

Last week it was announced that the Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained four-year-old was being hampered by on-going foot problems and would have a "short rest" with the hope that he'll be good to go for the country's biggest race at Addington Raceway on Tuesday, November 12.

The plan was for the horse to stay at their Rolleston barn.

Now the Purdon Racing website has announced that Don't Stop Dreaming is moving north to be with Mark at Matamata where he now lives.

Mark already has stable stars Oscar Bonavena and Millwood Nike under his care.

The decision to move Don't Stop Dreaming was made after Mark was in Christchurch at the weekend.

“I left it up to Nathan as his decision not mine,” Mark told the Purdon Racing website.

“He has never been an easy horse to train. Some days he is fine others not so good. He is a high maintenance horse. Nath had a think about what was best given all involved and decided the best solution was if he were up with me.”

Purdon moved to the Waikato earlier this year for mainly personal reasons. His partner is respected veterinary surgeon Barbara Hunter, a partner at Matamata Veterinary Services.

“He’s still very much in the (NZ) Cup frame. It will just be easier all round if he is up here close to expert help. Nathan has plenty on his plate as it is and he is doing a great job of it.”

Don't Stop Dreaming, a $6 second favourite in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup markets behind Australian superstar Leap To Fame ($1.60), will head north this week.