(Racing NSW)
Newy 87.8 FM – Gosford trainer Adam Duggan will look for successive wins from Purple Haze when the six-year-old lines up in the Power FM Handicap (1750m) at Muswellbrook on Sunday.
Purple Haze took nine starts to break through, recording his first win in a Class 1 at Taree a couple of weeks ago. The gelding didn't debut until May last year as a late season four-year-old but was consistent, finishing in the top four at each run.
"He had a few behavioural issues early days, we persisted with him and each preparation he's got a bit better. That's probably the reason he took a while to win a race," Duggan said.
Purple Haze was $4.40 with TAB on Saturday, but Duggan said the 59kg weight was a greater concern than testing him beyond the mile. "He's not an overly big horse and he's carried 59kg a few times and I thought it anchored him a bit," he said.
Duggan will also saddle up former Hong Kong galloper Mission Strike, a five-year-old by Dundeel who had 10 starts in Hong Kong for two placings. The trainer believes he will be better suited at 2000m and beyond.
Stablemate I'lltellyounothing contests race 2 after what Duggan described as a commendable first-up run with blinkers applied.
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