Month: August 2020

Arden Messi thriving ahead of junior assignment

NZHarnessNews

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk Promising pacer Arden Messi will be vying to add another win to his tally at Addington Raceway on Sunday when he contests the Allied Security (Junior Drivers) Mobile Pace (1980m). The Grant Payne-trained four-year-old has already tasted victory in his four career starts, and finished runner-up on two other occasions. Tim Williams has done the steering on all four occasions, but junior driver Mikayla Lewis will hop in the cart on Sunday in the junior driver event. Payne has been delighted with the way…

Winning double for Hopes

NZHarnessNews

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk Woodend Beach trainers Greg and Nina Hope will be looking to summit bigger mountains this season with another quality trotter. Four-year-old gelding Muscle Mountain made it six wins from just nine starts when he was victorious in the Lamb and Hayward Handicap Trot (2600m) at Addington Raceway on Friday night.  He began well from his 10m mark and was able to navigate his way around a couple of breakers. Driver Ben Hope pushed his charge forward early to take the lead and was able…

No fears for Copy That

NZHarnessNews

By Michael Guerin  If you are worried about Copy That’s standing start record on his way to the New Zealand Cup, don’t be. Because trainer Ray Green is adamant Thursday night’s stunning Alexandra Park winner will erase those fears next start. Copy That left no doubt he has the motor for open class by destroying most of the north’s pacing elite over 1700m on Thursday, blasting to the lead and tearing off a 53.8 last 800m and a 26.2 final 400m to win by five lengths. He went into the…

Spinoff from Ablaze’s amazing run of success

Editor BOAY

The flag is certainly being flown high by exciting jumper Ablaze (NZ) (Raise The Flag) for his White Robe Lodge sire and the spinoff is being felt at the leading South Island stud. A son of Raise The Flag, Ablaze extended his unbeaten record to five over fences when last Sunday he completed the double of the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool and the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown and he now chases the Grand National double, being set for the Grand National Steeplechase (4500m) at Ballarat on…

Wilson targets Te Rapa jumps features

Editor BOAY

Harvey Wilson was unable to switch to hands-free mode but was still able to give a good push to his Te Rapa chances from the driver’s seat on It’s A Wonder (NZ) (Istidaad) on Thursday morning. Wilson graciously took the NZ Racing Desk call between hill climbs as he put the finishing touches on Signature Homes Waikato Steeplechase (3900m) favourite It’s A Wonder. “He’s already had one run up the hill and I’m about to give him another,” Wilson said. “He does all his work on the farm, all his…

Ladd was such a driving force for breeders

Editor BOAY

Next Monday will mark the farewell to one of the unsung promoters of the New Zealand racing and breeding industry with the funeral of Ronald Walter Ladd, QSM. Ladd, who died peacefully at the Cascades Rest Home in Hamilton last Monday at the age of 93, made a huge impression through his services to racing and breeding, an input which resulted in him becoming a Life Member of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the Te Aroha Jockey Club. Ladd also served on the NZTBA council and was vice…

VRC Oaks winner put on notice to perform

Editor BOAY

Danny O’Brien is hoping a rain-affected surface can trigger a return to form for VRC Oaks winner Miami Bound (NZ) (Reliable Man) when she starts her spring campaign at Flemington. Miami Bound will run in the G H Mumm Plate (1410m) on Saturday and the trainer is keen for her to signal she can again be a major carnival player. O’Brien pulled the plug on Miami Bound’s autumn campaign after she failed in two runs in Melbourne where she finished eighth in the Caulfield Classic and fourth in the Alister…