By Jonny Turner
Forgive and forget is the message Brett Gray has for punters at Northern Southland’s meeting on Saturday.
Gray lines up American Eyretime second up following a sound effort for fourth at Winton two weeks ago.
The trainer was initially disappointed with his filly’s effort but has changed his mind since.
And that may be an important lead for punters who are looking to again place their faith in American Eyretime following her first up defeat as favourite.
“I thought she would have just won last time to be fair and I thought she was driven to be given every show, too.”
“But hopefully that run has tidied her up a little bit and the field this week is probably a little bit easier.”
American Eyretime starts from barrier 1 with her stablemate Alexis Rocket outside her in barrier 7.
The four-year-old disappointed in his last start but with a clear excuse he can also be forgiven for that run.
“He can be a funny wee bugger, he didn’t cop the track at Wyndham the other day but his start before that was pretty good.”
Gray starts both Saviour Telf and The High Commander in race 3.
Saviour Telf starts from barrier 2, an upgrade on most of the draws he has copped during his short career.
“I think he is getting there and I think he is capable of winning.”
“If he got out and got a soft run he could come off something’s back.”
“He will need a little bit of luck but in that field he should be a chance.”
The High Commander impressed when showing gate speed and some toughness on debut at Winton.
The three-year-old has also drawn handily in barrier 5.
“He has got a few issues, he hates the grit and a few things.”
“He can win, but he is not an easy horse to train, he is not that good at running in the field, he throws his head around that much.”
Gray starts Allaboutthemoment in Saturday’s feature trot.
The daughter of the not so popular sire Peak starts from the 15m mark in the 2700m event.
“She is actually working quite good and she has improved, so she is a chance.”
“There are a couple of nice ones in there of Phil’s (Williamson) but they are not always the best beginners those two.”
“Hopefully she will be handy enough to get her chance.”
In The Groove starts for Gray in Saturday’s Gold Chip Final, race 4.
The trotter looks up against it as a maiden taking on race winners, but he only went down very narrowly in a similar event four starts ago
“He is a good cashflow machine and he is always thereabouts.”
“This is probably the best Gold Chip field we have had for a while down here.”
“It’s not going to be easy for him, but he puts himself handy.”
“It can be a bit weird because the races you think he will win he doesn’t and the ones you think he will struggle in he goes super.”
Jaccka Watch is in the same position as In The Groove in race 9, as a maiden taking on race winners.
