Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) aspirant Major Tom will have one more run in the C S Stevens Memorial Banks Peninsula Cup (2200m) at Motukarara on Sunday before he contests the two-mile Riccarton feature later this month.

Red Giant gelding Major Tom enjoys racing on his home track of Ruakaka, but if he fails to fire in Saturday’s Logan Racing Ruakaka Cup (2200m) it could spell the end of his Gr.3 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Cup (3200m) campaign.

El Luchador and Major Tom were open handicap winners at opposite ends of the North Island on Saturday, but they are destined to meet in the middle next time out.

El Luchador and Major Tom were open handicap winners at opposite ends of the North Island on Saturday, but they are destined to meet in the middle next time out.

Major Tom has been a tough nut to crack and perseverance is now paying off.