Harris Tweed

From HeraldSun.com.au
Sunday 3rd October 2010

New Zealand stayer Harris Tweed has put his Melbourne Cup campaign on track with a hard fought win over 2500 metres at Flemington.

New Zealand stayer Harris Tweed has put his Melbourne Cup campaign on track with a hard fought win in Sunday's Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington.

Trained by Murray and Bjorn Baker, the Montjeu five-year-old drew on his reserves after making the running from the home turn and held off Exceptionally to score by a head with Above Average 2-1/2 lengths away third.

Last year Harris Tweed finished fifth to Shocking in the Melbourne Cup and TAB Sportsbet firmed him up from $41 to $26 to win this year.

Harris Tweed is also in the Caulfield Cup but Murray Baker may look for another lead up option for the gelding.

Last year he finished 10th to Viewed in the Caulfield Cup but Baker queried whether it was the right race for him.

"I have to think about it," Baker said.

"I am not sure he has enough zip for the Caulfield Cup but he can stay and he should improve a lot with this run."

Harris Tweed has been slow to come to hand this campaign but Baker has been encouraged by his recent improvement.

"Coming out of a New Zealand winter he has taken a lot of getting fit," Baker said.

"He has been well behind the eight ball but have we have thought the last couple of weeks that he has really picked up.

"He is an improving horse and he does like it here in Australia.

"He seems to thrive here and race a lot better."

Harris Tweed was having his third run this campaign after unplaced runs over 1700 metres at Flemington and in the Group Three Naturalism Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.

Jockey Brad Rawiller said that with 58.5kg on Sunday Harris Tweed had a tough run racing near the lead all the way before taking the lead three-wide on the home turn.

"He had to make the running in the straight which is a long way home but he did a good job and I'm looking forward to the Melbourne Cup now," Rawiller said.