By Jonny Turner
Korbyn Newman hopes he can make the most of his chances from Gavin Smith’s barn at Oamaru on Wednesday.
Newman links up with three of Smith’s team who look big winning threats on the Oamaru grass.
The reinsman rates the Smith trained Rakero Warrior of the strongest chance among his book of four drives.
“My best chance – I would probably have to label Rakero Warrior in the maiden trot.”
“It was a great run last start, he is knocking on the door so hopefully [Wednesday] is the day.”
Rakero Warrior comes into race 3 on the back of an excellent second placing at Motukarara last weekend.
The three-year-old charged late and was only just denied by Tu Tangata.
Newman also combines with Rakero Raider in race 9.
The pacer showed his worth on grass tracks when charging home to score in his last start for the Smith stable at Orari.
“It is well placed, there are a few in there that go alright, too.”
“Hopefully he gets a nice run from the draw (5).”
“Gav is pretty confident in him, so hopefully he gets a nice run and he will be thereabouts.”
Baltimore Jill is also among the Smith trained runners Newman drives at Oamaru.
Securing barrier 1 in race looks a big plus for the pacer.
“The draw is going to help it a lot, this horse.”
“She is probably not an outstanding horse, but at the same time it is not a deep field.”
“From the one draw she has got options there and she should be a nice chance.”
Baltimore Jill should strip fitter for her last start sixth at Motukarara last weekend, which was her first start in more than a month.
Newman also links up with the Matt Purvis trained Stamp Duty in Wednesday’s junior driver’s race.
The pacer has only had one start on grass and he was wiped out early when copping a check.
Stamp Duty looks a player in race 6 with more luck, going by his last start third at Rangiora.
“It was a nice third last start, Matt is pretty confident he said his work on Monday was good.”
“He said if I can leave it for one run it would be better, but we will just play it by ear and see how we go.”
Newman heads into Wednesday’s meetings with 14 wins for the season.
