Trotters set to rekindle rivalry at Addington tonight

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Talented three-year-olds Highgrove and Mystic Max are set to rekindle their burgeoning rivalry at Addington Raceway on Thursday.

The pair went toe-to-toe as juveniles with two wins apiece and Mystic Max will be looking to even their three-year-old ledger in the Alias Armbro 3YO Mobile Trot (1980m) this week.

The pair will head to Addington Raceway fresh-up and owner-trainer Michael Purdon has been pleased with Mystic Max’s two lead-in trials.

“He seems well,” Purdon said.

“He has had a couple of trials. He had one at Rangiora a fortnight ago and another one against the maiden pacers at Ashburton last week. I was really happy with both of his trials.”

Purdon is looking forward to renewing his colt’s rivalry with Highgrove, although he expects a more furnished performance from his colt when they clash in feature races later in the season.

“Highgrove is a very good horse and he will be hard to beat. It is always exciting going up against the best,” Purdon said.

“Being a colt Mystic Max is still carrying a fair bit of condition so I would imagine he will take two or three runs before he hits peak race fitness.

“He has got the Hambletonian (Group 3, 1609m) at the end of the month but the main aim will be the Derby (Group 1, 2600m) in December, there really isn’t much for the three-year-olds in-between.”

Mystic Max is the sole horse under Purdon’s care after he recently scaled back his training operation to work for his father, leading trainer Mark Purdon.

“I am back at Dad’s place and have taken the trotter with me. I have had a big cutback,” Purdon said.

“It works out well for me with my trotter having good company to train him against.”