By JAMES GRAHAM
Trainer Mike Breslin hopes to turn a hat-trick of stable wins at Awapuni tomorrow into a $2 million payday.
Breslin plans to anchor his three Pick 6 runners Coltraine (race 5), Bahama Beach (race 8) and Adelphi (race 10) and go wide in the remaining three legs to make
sure he's got the massive pot covered.
"I'll have to have a go - if I won three and didn't get Pick 6 I'd be kicking myself," admits Breslin.
Breslin is confident his Pick 6 plan can start on the right note with Coltraine, an impressive winner of his last two races.
Coltraine has drawn wide at 10 but Breslin says rider Hayden Tinsley always planned to give the horse time to settle.
"That's been the key with him this time in," said Breslin.
"He used to rip into it a bit but since we've been riding him back he's a different horse.
"He's absolutely thriving at the moment and I would be gutted if he doesn't give it a shake-up."
Breslin admits Bahama Beach is a much riskier Pick 6 proposition as a maiden against race winners in the fourth leg.
But the clown of the stable has stacks of untapped ability, in-form Rhys McLeod aboard and will relish the step up to 1600m.
"He is an out-and-out staying horse who will make a lovely 2000m type in a year's time. But at this stage of his preparation the distance will suit and he could surprise if he puts it all together."
If Adelphi gets some luck Breslin knows she can fight out the finish of the last race. He just would have preferred not to meet opponents like Balmuse, Zoe Spice and Lyns Girl.
"Against that field she's going to need all the favours to go her way but shes so genuine you know shes going to give it her best."
