By Mike Love, Harness News Desk
Ohoka trainer Trent Yesberg takes a handy team to Rangiora today, including Uptown Funk in the $17,000 Anne Thompson Memorial Graduation final.
Uptown Funk, the Art Major three-year-old Art Major gives Yesberg his best chance of the day. Clearing maidens at Rangiora two starts back on May 7th, then backing it up with a solid 7th at Addington last week, Yesberg believes the gelding will assert himself well today.
“He’s definitely got the ability to give them a good shake. I’ve always had a high opinion of the horse. He’s got very high speed.”
Yesberg hopes the tempo of the race will play into the hands of the gelding.
“He’s a horse that’s a little bit one-dimensional. He’ll want a bit of a sucker run.
“He’s my best chance today.”
Earlier on the card, in Race 2, Yesberg lines up another 3yo Art Major gelding, Cant Touch This. After a handy 3rd on debut at Ashburton, Cant Touch This has opened up favourite ($2.30FF), however Yesberg warns punters to be wary.
“I think he might be a little bit of a false favorite.
“He’s come through the run really well. Bucking and kicking on the lead.
“He will probably go out for a spell after this. I think he’ll be a nice horse in the spring.”
Yesberg has a two pronged attack in the final race of the day, Ruby Malone and Icee Styxie. Ruby Malone has had a minor gear change, and has been domiciled with Matt Purvis at Woodend Beach since her disappointing fresh up run. However, reports to Yesberg from Purvis have been encouraging going into today with a handy draw of two.
“Matt seems reasonably confident with her work.
“I’m expecting a good run from her. She’s got good gate speed.
“She does have the ability. She’s in a race today she should be competitive in.”
At the other end of the spectrum, Icee Styxie has come up with a horror draw of 12.
“She’ll be driven pretty conservatively. We will be looking to just be running on.”
Ricky May is engaged to drive Cant Touch This and Uptown Funk. Alana Cameron takes the drive on Ruby Malone, and Gerard O’Reilly steers Icee Styxie.
