Local runner El Tirador (NZ) (Shocking) provided a dashing display on his home track at Pukekohe on Sunday when he strode home to defeat his age-group rivals over 1400m. The three-year-old son of Shocking made it back-to-back victories after opening his winning account narrowly at Ruakaka over 1200m earlier in the month. The Nigel Tiley-trained galloper appreciated the rise in distance as he stalked pacemaker and race favourite Opalescence (NZ) (Showcasing) throughout before issuing his challenge early in the run home. Under a confident ride by Saturday’s Gr.3 Wellington Cup…
Month: January 2021
Sinarahma set for another Group One target
Although he enjoyed a wonderful day at Trentham on Saturday, trainer Allan Sharrock was left with a niggling feeling of what might have been had his promising mare Sinarahma (NZ) (Savabeel) jumped with the field in the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m). The six-year-old Savabeel mare produced an amazing performance to get within a length of eventual winner Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) in the Group One feature after missing the start by a conservative ten lengths. Rider Danielle Johnson did a remarkable job to have Sinarahma within striking distance of…
South Islander goes close to massive Cup upset
Over the 147-year history of the Wellington Cup, the famous Trentham two-miler has witnessed any number of upset victories, but none would have been as great as the one that South Island stayer Bluey’s Chance (NZ) (Remind) nearly pulled off on Saturday. The Kenny Moore-trained seven-year-old went within a few strides of a remarkable win at odds in excess of $150, succumbing to the late charge of race favourite Waisake (NZ) (Zed) in the final few strides and denying Moore and apprentice rider Mereana Hudson a fairytale result. Moore, who…
Booraa primed for the Little Green Jug
By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk A hat-trick of wins is in the offing for Booraa at Methven on Sunday when she lines-up in the Lather Up Little Green Jug 3YO Mobile Pace (1609m). The Katie Cox-trained filly has won her last two starts at Waterlea Raceway on the grass and she will race on her favoured surface once again this weekend. Cox was delighted with her last two runs and she is hoping for a repeat performance on Sunday. “She is a nice filly, who tries really hard, and…
Quality Field Ensures Epic Jug Clash
By Jonny Turner The Methven Trotting Club has put its own spin on one of North America’s most popular harness races and the result is the inaugural running of the Little Green Jug on Sunday. An excellent field is set to provide the same kind of excitement as Ohio’s Little Brown Jug but in uniquely Kiwi surroundings of one of New Zealand’s most popular grass tracks. Drawing barrier five under the race’s preferential barrier draw has seen Sweet Belle installed the early favourite for the first-ever running of the Little…
Selections from the Methven Local
The Local has been enjoying all the country harness racing and is looking forward to the return to Methven action at Mt. Harding om Sunday and here is his twenty cents worth… Race 1 – Terrific field but we think start the day off with a bolter the beautifully bred Dreamsinthemist to nose out favourite Aldabaron Floss and consistent wee, multis Shifty and Random Jude. Race 2 – Another even lot but from his good draw King Arthur to beat awkwardly drawn Fraud and Le Pole Dancer, others local President…
Ricky May previews his drives at Methven
Ricky May has many times won the Methven Driver’s Premiership this year he sits in third place currently, behind Blair Orange and John Dunn, he drives in most races on Sunday and here are his thoughts… Race 1 – Local Reindeer Trouble gave a good feel first up but will probably find favourite’s a little too tough at this stage. Race 2 – Stable runner Fraud never goes a bad race but cops the outside of the front line still a good chance in an even lot. Race 3 –…
NZ Racing and Breeding News – 31 January 2021
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War Critic on song at Caulfield
Progressive galloper War Critic recorded his third victory when winning over 1800m at Caulfield on Saturday. The New Zealand-bred four-year-old was pushed forward from his outside barrier by jockey Damian Lane, who was able to slot his charge just in behind the pace. Pacemaker Legenda opened up several lengths on the field, but Lane kept his cool, and waited until turning for home before presenting his charge three-wide. The gelding copped a check at the top of the straight, but he was able to continue his run and captured the…
Sale Races betting preview, top tips & best odds | Sunday 31/1/21
What Sale Races Where Sale Turf Club – 1227 Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale VIC 3850 When Sunday, January 31, 2021 First Race 12:50pm AEDT Watch Live Streaming Live at Sportsbet Sale Races Betting Preview – January 31, 2021 Sale will host a big nine race card on Sunday afternoon where the track has come up as a Soft 5 and the rail is in the true position. With rain expected over the weekend we could see a downgrade into the Heavy region so we strongly recommended finding wet trackers throughout the…