Pearl drums beating for Rapper to score a juicy bonus at Trentham on Saturday

Platinum Rapper’s final fast work at Awapuni yesterday has left trainer Lisa Latta confident the filly can go close to winning a Pearl series bonus race at Trentham on Saturday.

And that would mean a big payday for Lincoln Farms and Neville McAlister as along with the $15,625 winner’s purse she would bag a $20,000 bonus, courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock’s bonus scheme.

“She galloped really well on Thursday and has progressed very well since her last run,’’ says Latta.

An even-looking field is carded for the seventh race but Latta says Platinum Rapper, drawn nicely in four, only has to run as well as last time to figure in the finish.

Three weeks ago on the course, over the same 1400 metres and in the same heavy 10 conditions she will strike on Saturday, Platinum Rapper ran a very brave second in a stakes race behind smart Te Akau filly Burgundy Belle, winner of three of her five starts.

Last early, Dylan Turner wound the filly up down the outer and her powerful finish saw her clock easily the fastest last 600 metres of 37.01.

While still three and a quarter lengths behind Burgundy Belle at the finish, she cut down Satu Lagi to claim second right on the post.

Latta believes the filly has improved with that run, her first since returning from a Riccarton campaign where she ran fourth and fifth in two stakes races, the second over 2000 metres in the Warstep Stakes.

“The 2000 metres finds her out - she’s a 1400 metre to 1600 metre horse at the moment - so she’s back to a distance where she’s competitive.

“The big, roomy track suits her and the conditions won’t worry her so I’m confident she’s a big chance.’’

In-form rider Jonathan Parkes, who is second on the premiership with 106 winners, three behind Lisa Allpress, takes the mount.

Lincoln Fury scored at Trentham in March for Dylan Turner when the conditions were a slow 7. PHOTO: Peter Rubery/Race Images.Latta is not so bullish about Lincoln Fury who is down to run in the last race but may not take his place.

While Lincoln Fury won at Trentham in March that was only in slow 7 conditions and Latta says she doesn’t want to see the track too heavy for him.

While held up in tight quarters for the first half of the home straight last time, in heavy 10 ground at Trentham on May 5, Lincoln Fury didn’t hit the line hard like he’s capable of.

“He needs to be not far from them turning in. And he wasn’t helped that day by a slow start.

“I’ll wait until race morning to see how the track is and what’s scratched. We may wait for Wanganui next Saturday.

“His work has been good but he just may be coming to the end of his preparation.’’