The number 13 might be unlucky for some but it could bring a long overdue win for Bobby Al at the Otago Racing Club's twilight meeting at Wingatui this afternoon.
The 4yr-old has yet to head towards the winner's stall after 12 career starts, placing five times for Ashburton trainers Daniel Champion and Kezia Murphy.
Could today be the day?
Murphy hopes so.
"He's been a bit of a bridesmaid,'' she said.
"He's always been a genuine and tough horse but he does have a few little niggly issues.
"He's probably not going to get a better opportunity to win a race, put it that way.''
The son of Ready's Image has stepped up past 1600m in the past six weeks, finishing second at Motukarara on November 1 before never getting into the race at Cromwell on November 29, finishing ninth.
"He just got too far back and got too much to do, but his prior form was solid and he's a very honest horse,'' Murphy said.
Today's 2200m maiden will be his longest distance yet, but Murphy sees that as no concern, nor whether the track goes up or down from its good3 rating yesterday.
"He seems to be relishing the step up since he's got up over the middle distance, so I don't think the trip will be a problem,'' she said.
"He's pretty versatile but he would probably prefer a little bit of give in the track which we will hopefully get down there.''
Little Haast (race 4) caught the eye running second on debut at Motukarara, and should have learnt plenty as she takes on a strong field of fillies and mares in the $12,000 Pearl Series 1400m maiden.
"She's a filly with a lot of ability,'' Murphy said.
"She's still very green. The Faltaats tend to take a little bit to click on to everything, but she should go a nice race.''
The 3yr-old has not raced since Motukarara, as Champion and Murphy have been patient with her.
"There wasn't really a suitable race for her,'' Murphy explained.
"We didn't want to take her to Cromwell - we thought it might be a bit firm for her - and the [New Zealand] Cup meeting came up a bit soon.
"With the Pearl Series, we thought it would be a nice race to settle for.''
In-form hoop Jillian Morris takes the place of the suspended Samantha Wynne aboard Little Haast.
"We're more than happy to have Jillian on - she's a nice rider.''
So Supre (race 5) is on debut and should gain plenty from the experience of a race meeting.
"We probably would have opted to have another trial, but there's quite a long time between trials up here so it's really just a trip away and an educational run,'' Murphy said.
"She's a big-striding filly and whatever she does, she will improve off.''
The unavailability of Kingsdown trainer Gary Trusttum's track rider means Champion and Murphy are looking after Alacria (race 7) for Trusttum and his wife, Pam.
"She just needed to mature but she's a lovely filly and they're great people, so we hope she goes well for them.''
Tips from the talent
Jake Lowry
The Man (Race 7, No 2)
Courtney Barnes
Commix (Race 4, No 11)
Toni Direen
Hi Yo Ugo (Race 2, No 3)
Kelvin Tyler
Zah Keisha (Race 1, No 4)
Terry Kennedy
Conceal (Race 7, No 7)
Shankar Muniandy
Lydia (Race 4, No 6)
