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Smart trial shows why Ray’s surprised by The Big Lebowski’s big odds for Tuesday

He might not have the respect of the TAB bookies but The Big Lebowski can outrun his $18 odds in Tuesday’s $40,000 Junior Free-for-all at Addington, says trainer Ray Green.

The Big Lebowski rounded off his preparation for cup day with a strong trial on Wednesday, when he was nosed out late by visiting Victorian Hes From Heaven, the winner of eight of his 16 starts who is here for the $500,000 Velocity slot race on Show day.

The giant pacer trailed Hes From Heaven in the 1980 metre heat, the pair closing in 55.5 and going across the line locked together, with topliners Princess Meritaten and Duchess Megxit next home.

“The big fellow rounded up Hes From Heaven in a few steps and switched off a bit,” Green said.

“I don’t think Blair (Orange) pushed him out and he’s keen to drive him on Tuesday. That run has set him up nicely and I’m sure he’ll go well.”

While The Big Lebowski (R75) ranks only in the middle of the rating 63 to 116 event, which features top Australian Catch A Wave, Green rates him a solid each-way chance.

“He’s got the draw (four) and the driver and he’s in a good place at the moment. He should be right in the fray.”

The Big Lebowski with trainer Ray Green and Nathan Delany after his decisive win at Addington. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.The Big Lebowski with trainer Ray Green and Nathan Delany after his decisive win at Addington. PHOTO: Ajay Berry/Race Images.While The Big Lebowski lost his chance in the Ashburton Flying Stakes by galloping 1300 metres out, Green says his previous win at Addington, over the mobile 2600 metres of the Junior Free-for-all, is a better guide.

“He’s got a lot of ability and you can’t count him out.”

Bookies offering $4.40 for a place on the horse had obviously forgotten The Big Lebowski’s massive performances in Auckland before his injury in 2023.

Debuting in the north at Alexandra Park he bolted in by 11 lengths before finishing only three and a half lengths behind Akuta in the Auckland Cup (3200m), hard on their backs with nowhere to go.

Green said in the week since he returned from Christchurch, the stable’s Nathan Delany had done a great job with the horse.

“Nathan is doing a sterling job with him, he’s turned out to be very diligent. If I’d known what he’d be like I probably wouldn’t have gone down in the first place.”

Green’s return to Pukekohe was prompted by the below par performances of Sugar Ray Lincoln and Frisco Bay at Ashburton, both returning ordinary scopes, found to have a virus, and sent home.

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Friday night at Auckland

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Our runners this week: How our trainer rates them

Nathan Delany

Nathan’s comments

Tuesday twilight at Manawatu

Race 3: Onyx Shard
5.09pm

“She’s working really well and, from the good draw, hopefully she can run a drum. The field’s not that much harder than the one she beat last time at Manawatu (when parked for the last lap).”

Race 3: Kevin Kline
5.09pm

“We’re very happy with him - he’s come back a better horse. He went well at Auckland last start and is working well. We’ll be looking to go forward from the gate and hopefully get a gun run through behind Onyx Shard. On ability, he’s the better chance of the two.”

Race 4: Leo Lincoln
5.39pm

“He stepped like a bullet in his first go from a stand here in March. I thought he’d do the same on the second day but he galloped. We’ve got an overcheck on and hopple shorteners on Tuesday so he should make a good beginning. If he can step and lead, then maybe take a trail, he should be hard to beat. He likes it down there where the track is quite soft.”

Dan Costello Race Photography