Self Assured in winning form at trials

Despite a skip or two at the start, defending New Zealand Cup champion Self Assured has continued his preparation for this year’s big race by winning a seven-horse trial at Rangiora.

As he has in the past the multiple Group One-winning son of Bettor’s Delight put in a bobble right at the start of the 2600 metre trial but driver Mark Purdon got him settled quickly.

After starting off 30 metres, Self Assured was five back the fence before slotting into the one-one around the 700 metre mark. He powered home to win by a neck in 3-20.0, the last 800 metres in 55.9, the last 40 in 27.7. Fellow backmarkers Stylish Memphis and Bettor Twist were given quiet trials, finishing fifth and seventh.

Self Assured’s last race day appearance was a win in the Group Three Rangiora Classic in April.

The winner of 17 from 28, Self Assured is trained by Hayden Cullen for now, before the new partnership of Cullen and Purdon takes effect in a fortnight.

Self Assured’s next race is expected to be the Canterbury Classic at Addington on that same day, Friday October 1.