Odeon primed for Winter Final

Trainers Matthew Ellerton and Mark Zahra are expecting another bold showing from their consistent galloper Odeon when he contests the Listed Winter Championship Series Final (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday. The New Zealand-bred gelding has placed in all three of his starts this preparation and his trainers are looking forward to lining him up on Saturday in what is his main target this time in. The son of Zacinto finished third to Saturday race rival Dice Roll over 1420m at Flemington last start, but they will meet on level terms…

Innes heads north to ride quality book

Leith Innes is looking forward to heading north to Ruakaka on Saturday where he will have a handful of quality rides, including a couple of debutants. He will don the yellow and black chequered silks of Cambridge Stud Principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay aboard Tavirock (NZ) (Tavistock) in the 17 July ITM/GIB Whangarei Gold Cup (1200m) for trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson. The three-year-old colt has pleased in his recent trials, winning his 800m heat a fortnight ago at Avondale, and Innes believes he will show a good account of…

Double Rocket returns

By Michael Guerin Arna Donnelly knows she is lucky to have Double Rocket back at the races at Alexandra Park tonight, or anywhere else for that matter. Because while the talented Waikato pacer continues his comeback in the $17,500 Onroad Transport Winter Cup tonight this time last year Donnelly feared Double Rocket’s life was in danger. A rapid rise through the northern pacing ranks saw Double Rocket placed at group two level in March last year before he suffered severe hoof issues later diagnosed as laminitis, an often severe inflammation…

Plutonium Lady in her element

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk Jeremy Young may have not got the result he desired with Plutonium Lady in her first hit-out for his stable a fortnight ago, but he is expecting an improved performance from the mare at Alexandra Park on Friday. The daughter of Bettor’s Delight ran sixth at the Auckland track last start, but Young was pleased with the way she found the line late. “She got away and then skipped a little and that probably cost her a little bit, but she got home alright,”…

First outing for well-bred filly

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk Well-bred filly Galleons Devotion will be looking to make a winning start to her racing career when she makes her debut in the Spectators ‘Iconic Kiwi Roast’ Trot (2000m) at Addington Raceway on Friday night. By Majestic Son, Galleons Devotion is out of two-win mare Ugly Betty, a half-sister to Group One winners Pocaro, Daenerys Targaryen, Sun Of Anarchy, and Group One performer Springbank Sam, and John Morrison is hoping she can have just a slither of her family’s ability. The three-year-old trotter has…

Selections | Addington 2 July

Selections for today’s meeting at Addington – (Friday)  Head to www.tab.co.nz to place your bet! Race Matt CrossCommentator Race 15.36pm 12 With Ice 11 Kowhai Sundown 10 Hurricane Hill 7 Harry Potter Race 26.09pm 7 Lumen Caeli6 Red Right Hand5 Still Grinnin 4 Nordy Star Race 36.38pm 12 Westar Milly9 Terror Cove 2 Clicquot13 Spot The Gamble Race 47.08pm 3 Riveered4 Town Echo5 Sugar Me11 Midfrew Luisianabeau  Race 57.39pm 7 Rogie Falls9 One Over All4 Sod’s Law5 Sally Lindenny Race 68.08pm 3 Copperhead Rose1 Down To The Bone5 Arden’s Reality2 Bettor Believe It  Race 78.39pm 7 Chief Of…

Well respected stipendiary steward bows out

Alan Coles has rarely been far from a horse, either in work time or leisure time. The Auckland horseman served his final day as a stipendiary steward at Wednesday’s Cambridge meeting. It marked the end of almost 30 years in the role, mainly in the Auckland area. Coles was first employed as an assistant-stipe in early 1992 and became a full-time steward from August 1998. Noel McCutcheon, who was the chief stipe at the time, was based in the central districts and Coles became the senior steward for the Auckland…

Vale Jan Brooks

The Gippsland greyhound racing community lost a much-admired member with the recent passing of Jan Brooks. Jan, who lived at Longwarry, passed away at the age of 77 and is survived by her husband Peter, daughter Michelle and son Paul. Close friend Marg Campbell paid tribute to Jan, affording special mention to her love for her greyhounds and willingness to assist anyone in need. “Jan was loved by everyone,” Marg said. “She was a really good person who always helped anyone that needed it. “She had greyhounds for a very…

More surgery for Walker

Expat New Zealand jockey Michael Walker is set to undergo more surgery following a fall at Pakenham in May. He developed Compartment Syndrome, a painful condition that is caused by a build-up of pressure due to internal bleeding and swelling, and he has subsequently undergone a number of surgeries on his leg. Walker will now undergo a full knee reconstruction, which will likely take place early next month. “It is what it is, if I’ve got to get it done, I’ve got to get it done, I want to give…

Moseley targets Ruakaka win for old school mate

Terry Moseley isn’t looking forward to the travel he’s facing in the coming days but he says it will all be worth it if he can guide Gigolo George to success for an old friend at Ruakaka on Saturday. The Kenny Rae and Krystal Williams-Tuhoro-trained Gigolo George will tackle the Mountfield Quarry 1200 at Ruakaka but first Christchurch-based Moseley will drive four and half hours each way to ride at Wingatui on Friday. Moseley has six rides at Wingatui aboard Transcendent, Irish Hi, Midnite Kaos, Darci Vino, Castle Black and…