The Fox has an opportunity at Wanganui this weekend to provide a change in both his own racing fortunes and that of Dean Cunningham.
The free-going jumper has been restricted by set-backs to just five runs in nearly two years, but he looks a good chance to make up for lost time when he runs in the Jolt Coffee House Wanganui Steeplechase on Sunday.
A free-going type who should be suited to the River City course, The Fox recently accompanied stablemate Tim to Christchurch but the pair were unable to complete the course in three runs between them.
The Fox fell in the Koral Steeplechase when he appeared to be going well in front while Tim went over the top of a fallen horse at the final fence. He then went out of contention early in the Grand National Steeplechase when he came to grief down the back for the first time.
Cunningham said The Fox, who won the 2012 Waikato Hunt Cup, would start at Wanganui before heading north for the Pakuranga Hunt Cup at Ellerslie the following weekend.
His opposition on Sunday includes the well-performed Roodyvoo, who finished a courageous third behind Eric The Viking in the Grand National and will benefit from Shaun Fannin’s three kilo claim.
Roodyvoo’s career has been interrupted by injuries and a past Koral Steeplechase victory and runner-up finishes in the Australian and Mosstrooper Steeplechases emphasises his ability when 100 per cent.
Trainer Kevin Myers also has steeplechasing newcomer Billy Elliot in the event and following the gelding’s debut win over the big fences he ran well for second at Riccarton behind Brer, who won twice over country during the southern carnival.
