Team Cullen with strong chances at Addington today

By Mike Love 

Hayden and Amanda Cullen will be looking to continue their successful weekend at Addington's Cheviot meeting today after Secret Wish’s win on Friday night in the Magness Benrow Sires’ Stake Semi-Final.

They will line up two runners in Race 6, the Donaghys Pro Equine Leonard Memorial (Mobile Pace) (2.55pm) for $40,000 at Group 3 level with debutant Wat Fun and the second-up I’m The Boss ($3.60FF). 

I’m The Boss finished a gallant second on debut at Winton (April 12) behind race rival, and the currently unbeaten Gottagoodfeeling ($3.10FF). Co-trainer Amanda Cullen says I’m The Boss has thrived from her trip south. 

“Not being able to get a race start into her before heading south probably was the difference. The trip south has really brought her on,” she says. 

Blair Orange will take the drive. 

Debutant Wat Fun, with Olivia Thornley, will derive plenty from her first race day experience, with Cullen suggesting there is plenty of bottom to her going forward. 

“She’s a filly we’ve got a lot of time for. She has ‘three-year-old’ written all over her. She's a big filly. We are happy going into tomorrow, and whatever she does she’s going to improve with the run. 

“It comes down to the draws and the runs they get. So we will see how it unfolds.” 

She opened at $7.50 and has come into $3.50.  

In Race 8, the $25,000 Cheviot Businesses Cheviot Cup (Handicap Pace) (4.08pm) over 2600m, it looks like It’s Tough’s ($1.60FF) race to lose. 

However, Cullen says Harrison John ($4.20FF) has trained on exceptionally well since his last-start second to Got The Chocolates at Addington, and will give It’s Tough something to think about. 

“He’s come through the run great. He does nothing wrong but just keeps getting beaten by a better one. But we couldn’t be happier with him.” 

Jonny Cox will drive. 

Cullen’s other runner Hadron Collider ($7.50FF), with Blair Orange, has come through his run well after being run down in front last time. 

“He set up a good time last week. He gets to the top and feels big and brave about himself. It was an impossible task last week, so he needs to get the start right. We’ve made a wee gear change and added an undercheck, and he’s been stepping well with it at home.”

Note: The FF (Fixed Field) odds can fluctuate so check at tab.co.nz for the latest information.