Top stablemates go head-to-head in Pakuranga Hurdle
Nedwin has a formidable hurdling record with his seven victories including last year's Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) and two editions of the Wellington Hurdles (3100m), his second success in the race coming under 73 kilograms in July.
The son of Niagara then ventured south to contest the Grand National Hurdles (4200m) a fortnight ago where he was uncharacteristically pulled up after racing keenly and misjudging a fence early in the contest.
"We don't really know what happened down at Riccarton, he's come home and we've taken some bloods off him and there has been nothing wrong," McDougal said.
"Hamish (McNeill, jockey) said there were some billboards on the inside that he was looking at coming around the home bend and he just botched the jump up there, then he did the same at another fence which is quite unlike him.
"He pulled quite hard early, which may have also contributed to him not jumping so well and then running out of puff at the end.
"He likes a wet track as well and goes on any surface, so it was a real head scratcher."
Returning home to Hastings, Nedwin has continued with his preparation and gave the training partners confidence to push onto the race, which is a key prelude into the Great Northern Hurdles (4200m) on September 15 back at the Waikato venue.
"He galloped with Taika yesterday and worked well, we can't fault him at home so it's all go for Saturday," McDougal said.
"He deserves another chance at these big races."
Eight-year-old Taika may have less experience on his side but has made a sizeable impression over the past 12 months, finishing second to English Gambler in this race last year before an unfortunate fall when looking a live chance in the Great Northern Hurdle.
Coming back strongly this season, he was only beaten in the barest of margins by National winner Berry The Cash in the Hawke's Bay Hurdles (3100m) and fought on valiantly for third in Nedwin's Wellington success.
"We were really happy with him at Wellington, then he had a flat run at Woodville a couple of weeks ago and he was super," McDougal said.
"Johnathan Riddell rode him there and you couldn't take the smile off his face, he said he jumped a bit awkwardly and then was held up when he needed to get going at the 5 f, but he's finished off very well.
"I think he's pretty on track for Saturday.
"The Northern has been his target for most of this season, he fell last year but I felt he was a pretty good chance for at least a placing in that race."
McDougal confirmed McNeill would be aboard Taika on Saturday, while Joshua Parker will partner Nedwin for the first time with a seven-kilogram weight-swing between them, in favour of the former.
Meanwhile, the stable's star performer The Cossack has recently commenced his rehabilitation from a suspensory ligament injury which kept him out of the Grand National Steeplechase (5500m) earlier this month.
"He has gone down to Carlton Lodge with Dianne Sergeant to be rehabbed, and if he stood we will look to race him again next year," McDougal said.
"If not, he'll have a great life as a sporthorse being well looked after."
