By Mike Love
Rangiora trainer Tom Bamford will line up four runners at today’s Rangiora meeting, including stable star Rakero Rocket in the Waimakariri Businesses Rangiora Winter Cup.
Bamford kicks off his chances with his 100th starter to the races in race 2 the Anne Thompson graduation series for pacers, with heat one over 2600m. In this event Rakero Chase ($26.00FF) with Gavin Smith in the sulky.
“She’s getting used to racing. We can put a line through her last start, but her first start she ran home good at Banks Peninsula. She will probably find a spot in the running line and she should be a top four chance.”
Bamford will drive Midnight Babe ($31.00FF) in the Happy 60th Birthday Andy and Deb stand over 2600m.
“She was much better last time at Ashburton. She got too far back and found the line nicely. She’s another that’s just adjusting from stepping up out of maidens. She’s usually a quick beginner from the stand so hopefully we can settle handy. She’s another good top four chance with the run.”
Bamford trains and drives his self-described best of the day in race seven the Canterbury Plains Challenge (Heat Five) with Ebury Street ($6.00FF).
“I think she can win this race.”
“She was really good at Addington last time out. She found the line really strongly. We’ll probably be driving her the same again. Get back and have one run at them. She’s a winning chance with the right run, she’ll be there at the finish.”
The $25,000 feature race on the card is race eight, the Waimakariri Businesses Rangiora Winter Cup over 2600m from the stand. In what draws a very big and competitive field, Bamford lines up Rakero Rocket ($6.50FF) with Blair Orange taking the drive.
“His first time from the stand under race conditions but I don’t think it’ll worry him. He should step away. It’s a massive step up in grade but being off the front I would like to think he’ll be in the top four.”
Bamford also has a drive behind Emily ($18.00FF) for trainer Michael Howard in the Happy 90th Birthday Warner Donald trot.
“Michael is our farrier. She’s generally got good manners. So hopefully we can secure a nice run and get into it at some point. She’s definitely good enough to be a top four chance.”
Bamford to date has trained 16 winners for stakes over $185,000, and currently works a team of around 12 from his training base at Rangiora.
Racing commences this morning from 11:45am.
