By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
Woodend Beach horseman Bob Butt was pleased to see Heavyweight Hero back in form at Addington Raceway last week after a trying 18 months.
The Muscle Mass eight-year-old finished third behind Sundees Son and Bolt For Brilliance in the Group 3 Trotters Classic (2600m), his best result since winning the Group 1 New Zealand Trotting FFA (1980m) in 2020.
He resumed in February after nearly a year away from the track and Butt was happy to see him once again showing his talents on the track.
“He has always had a few niggles here and there and we finally got on top of them. It has been hard to get a full prep into him,” Butt said.
Heavyweight Hero will once again be met by a star-studded line-up in the Gr.1 Fred Shaw Memorial NZ Trotting Championship (2600m) at Addington Raceway on Friday.
“It is good to have him back racing, he is just getting on a bit. He needs a bit of luck to fill the placings against them, which isn’t going to help him with the draw (barrier six),” Butt said.
“It is a really good field, so hopefully it is a good race.”
Butt will also line-up Himself and Callie’s Delight in the First Direct Taxis Mobile Pace (1980m).
“Himself is probably a bit outclassed in that field. He is going to have a run around and have a go at those RATTO races next week, which he should be competitive in,” Butt said.
“Callie’s Delight is a lovely old mare. She should be a good each way chance. She ran third in the Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.1, 2600m) last start, which is pretty good form for this race.”
Butt is also looking forward to taking the reins behind three runners for Colin and Julie DeFilippi.
Hezasport heads into the Gr.2 Coca-Cola Superstars Championship (2600m) in good form, having won his last two starts, but Butt said he will need to be at his best on Friday in a strong field.
“It is a big step-up for him but he is a lovely horse and he has got a good draw (barrier one),” Butt said.
Stablemate Madame Delight has also drawn the ace marble for her raceday debut in the Gr.3 Cheviot HRC – ‘Downbytheseaside’ Leonard Memorial (1980m).
“She trialled really nice and Colin said he has got a bit of time for her,” Butt said.
“The ones with a bit of racing experience are pretty forward. At least she is going to be on the fence and hopefully she can get a good run and be there with them in the finish.”
Herbie’s Delight looks another strong chance for the stable in the ‘Captain Crunch’ Passing Lane Pace (2600m).
“He has been going well and he has got good manners,” Butt said. “He looks to be the best chance of the night.”