Punters shouldn't have any concerns about Russley Rascal taking advantage of his handy draw in tonight's Woodlands Derby, because trainer Mark Purdon certainly doesn't.
Purdon trains the hot favourite for the classic and is adamant the inexperienced 3-year-old can still use barrier four to his advantage even though he has
not been as dynamic when asked to lead before.
"I don't think that will be a problem this week," said the champion trainer.
"He might be a bit relaxed in front but it is 2700m so that doesn't worry me and he is getting better all the time.
"I'd be happy to see him in front and controlling the race."
Purdon will watch from the stands as stable drivers Blair Orange and Nicole Molander (Secret Potion) handle his Derby charges.
And while he is happy to have Secret Potion in the Derby he can't see her beating Russley Rascal.
"He is our best chance but I put her in because with the right run I could see her getting come place money, which would also be good for her broodmare career. But I am very happy with Russley Rascal and quite confident he can win."
Purdon has his usual strong team in tonight but will struggle in the Auckland Cup after Highview Tommy and Ohoka Dallas both disappointed in their lead-up race last Friday.
"I wasn't too disappointed in Tommy because he is a colt and would have needed the run but I thought Dallas should have gone better.
"And it is another step up again to take on Monkey King, Bondy and Changeover."
Purdon is far more confident with his two standout juveniles in Collectable (race five) and Major Mark (race six), who are also racing for huge money tonight.
"I think Collectable deserves to start favourite because she led from the second line last start and they couldn't catch her. She is a good filly who likes to run hard so she will take some catching again."
Major Mark has cost punters a fortune in his past two starts, having the right run to win on both occasions but seeming to lack the willpower to do so.
Purdon says the option of being in front tonight could remedy that.
Purdon will provide at least three, maybe four, favourites in tonight's Pick6, rounded out by I Can Doosit in the last race. "I actually think my horse will be better than last week," he said confidently.
