By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
After two wins in Central Otago to start 2023, North Canterbury trainer Brendon “Benny” Hill is eyeing up further success at the Banks Peninsula Trotting Club meeting on Sunday.
“If I could get a win and a couple of placings I’d be happy,” he says of the four runners he’ll race on the grass at Motukarara.
His best chance is Bad Hombre who’s had three thirds since resuming in December. The Art Major five-year-old will line up in race 3, the Chris Jones – Bayleys Real Estate Pace.
“He’d had two years off with leg issues but he seems sound now,” says Hill.
“He’s been working really nice but he’s drawn one and he has to step that’s the big thing.”
If Bad Hombre wins it would complete a double for owner Brent Mills, who also bred and races Man United who won by more than five lengths at Omakau on January 2. That was Hill’s first win for the year. Hill also won with Jimmy James Maguire at Cromwell on Friday. Both winners were driven by Ricky May.
Bad Hombre (Art Major) and Man United (Sportswriter) are half brothers, both being out of Riverboat Rosie, who won 13 races in Australia between 2008 and 2012.
In Race 2, the Graham Bunz Memorial Pace, maidens Matador and Field Of Poppies will take on the likes of likely favourite Michael Caine.
“Matador is a quirky horse and has drawn a little wider (7) but we will probably roll forward with him.”
He’ll be driven by Ricky May while Tim Williams will steer Field Of Poppies.
“She was in a better field last start (6th at Rangiora on New Year’s Day) and she’s drawn the second row (13) and will need a little bit of luck.”
The last of the Hill runners is Sargent Best in Race 8, the Creekwood Equine Agistment Mobile Pace.
The winner of three from 30 starts, Sargent Best has drawn the outside of the front row in the 2000m mobile, after a last start second at Motukarara on December 29.
“He was super last start but he is a bit one dimensional and will have one last run at them.”
