by Jonny Turner
Tom Nally will seek more success at Winton today with the horse that started it all for him.
Nally has racked up 14 wins since driving I’m Watching You to his first victory in the sulky in 2020.
The pair have made an outstanding combination in the time since and they look a serious chance of combining for their sixth win together in race 4.
So much so that Nally rates the Hamish Hunter trained pacer the best winning chance of his strong book of seven drives.
I’m Watching You looks perfectly placed dropping back into rating 35-41 company and drawing barrier 1.
“He loves that grade – he is always thereabouts in that grade,” Nally said.
“For some reason he always draws good – I am not complaining.”
Ledger’s Maid makes her debut for the Hunter stable in race 3.
The filly has trialled nicely but takes on a strong maiden line up.
“She has been going around quite nicely at the trials,” Nally said.
“It is a big day for her – obviously she is by Franco Ledger out of Nursemaid – two of Hamish’s nice horses.”
“It is pretty exciting.”
“She will probably need a couple of runs, she is a bit green.”
“But I wouldn’t be surprised if she runs top five or something like that.”
Life Of Art looks a serious winning threat for Nally in race 8.
The Amber Hoffman trained pacer stays in a similar grade after running to an impressive win in his last start at Wyndham.
“It was a very nice win last start and I don’t see it as much of a jump up in grade.”
“It is a similar grade, it is just a niggly draw drawn 7.”
Nally thinks there’s a strong hope Miss Jessica will continue her consistent form in race 5.
The trotter comes slots into rating 40-55 company after taking on tougher grades recently.
“She’s a very good place chance.”
“Last start at Wingatui when she drove her I thought she was a little bit dumb but she kept on digging in like a tough old mare.”
“I’d say if I can get to the front with her, she would be a very good place chance.”
Nally rates Boston Tea Party a rougher place chance in race 7.
“He pulled in his last start but if he can settle down a bit on the marker pegs, he might shoot through for a place.”
The reinsman also combines with Mary Mourne in and Heritage.
