10 Apr 2018
The stage looks set this weekend for the capable stayer Nymph Monte to return to his best form. The Tavistock six-year-old races well at Hastings where he will attempt to bag the second black-type win of his career in Saturday’s Listed Royston Hospital Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m).
Trainer Grant Nicholson believes Nymph Monte, whose record features a victory in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy Handicap (2500m) at Riccarton, will strip at peak fitness for the feature.
“I’m very happy with him and that last run has topped him off nicely,” part-owner and trainer Grant Nicholson said. “There looks like there will be a bit of pace in the race and he needs that to get over the top of them.”
Past visits to Hawke’s Bay have rewarded Nymph Monte with a pair of middle distance victories.
“He always seems to go well there and a little bit of moisture will help him, he likes to get his toe in the ground these days,” Nicholson said.
“It’s always been the plan to have a go at the Cup. There are a few options for him afterwards, but we’ll get through Saturday first.”
NYMPH MONTE
Breeder: Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan
Trainer: Grant Nicholson
Owners: Tony Brooks, Wayne Dunn, Grant Nicholson & Alan Nugent
– Copy and photo kindly supplied by NZ Racing Desk