KEY POINTS:
Ann Browne doesn't try to be evasive, but she has the same answer when you ask her to separate multiple runners from her stable in a major jumping race.
"I don't try to," is the stock answer from the Cambridge horsewoman.
"I get the same amount of money
whichever one wins."
Browne has Primo Canera, Fair King, Call Me Murray and The Storytella engaged in tomorrow's $40,000 The Mad Butcher's Pakuranga Hunt Cup. The first two named are clearly the pick of the quartet.
Both the exciting Fair King and Primo Canera are heading to the $100,000 Great Northern Steeplechase at Ellerslie in two weeks.
Each has the credentials to win tomorrow and Ann has a slight leaning to Fair King who gets 1.5kg from Primo Canera. That might make the difference in a gruelling finish.
Fair King is unbeaten in three steeplechasing starts, all of them at Ellerslie.
He is so well he was able to win over hurdles at Rotorua two weeks ago, a victory that surprised even his owner and trainer.
"Yes, I have to admit I thought he probably couldn't win that hurdle race, even though he'd been second to Bold Trader over hurdles," she said.
Primo Canera had a year off with injury after winning the Hawkes Bay Steeplechase in July last year and has had three starts, two of them over jumps, since.
He failed quite significantly when only sixth at Rotorua last month after which Ann Browne cancelled a trip south to the Grand National at Riccarton.
"I'm pleased now I didn't go with him because he wasn't ready. That's been the problem with him this preparation - his fitness."
Primo Canera ran a cheeky race when fourth in a 2100m R70 event on the flat at Pukekohe two weeks ago, an effort that cast some doubts for Browne.
"It might have been just a touch too cheeky," she said, suggesting that if the horse was fresh enough to perform that well on the flat he may not be solid and hard enough for a race like the Pakuranga Hunt Cup two weeks later.
Browne feels Primo Canera may further improve with this race, which might be another plus for Fair King.
His job has been made easier by the withdrawal of Just The Man, the stylish winner of the steeplechase at Pukekohe two weeks ago.
Just The Man tweaked a fetlock joint when galloping yesterday morning and may even be in doubt for the Great Northern Steeplechase, a race he won two years ago.
"I'm gutted, I took two years getting him back to his best," said trainer Davina Waddell.
Initially it appeared Just The Man had injured a suspensory ligament, which probably would have ended his career.
"But my vet says there is no problem with the suspensory.
"He says there is a good chance we will make it to the Great Northern, but I'm not getting my hopes up," she said.
"I certainly wouldn't risk him at all. He's so well he's given me a real buzz working him this week and then this has to happen. My vet says to keep the faith."