By Mike Love
Leithfield beach trainer Robbie Holmes trucks a team of four down to Ashburton today in what is the first winter meeting in Canterbury held outside Addington Raceway since June.
In race 1, the Once Over Da Moon trotter One Mhor For Heather lines up in the Chertsey Trotting Club Trot over 2400m. The filly will be having her fourth start and will be looking to head in the right direction after a strong fourth at Addington a week ago.
“She’s come through the run pretty well. She’s putting it together now. It’s the first time she’s drawn the front line, she’s doing everything right from the stand.”
“I’d like to see her up handy on the pace and I don’t think she’ll be too far away.”
A quick turnaround for Holmes sees The Golden Skipper compete in race 2, the Ashburton U Hire Mobile Pace over 1700m. Holmes believes the four-year-old gelding by Gold Ace has some ability but will need a touch of luck to feature from a wider draw over a short distance.
“He’s a horse who has no real sprint so he’s going to have to race handy to the pace.”
“Take him on chance”
Keeping It Kiwi takes to the track in race 6, the White Racing/Foothills Shearing Handicap Pace over 2400m. Since breaking his maiden back on June 9 at Addington, the son of Art Major has had his share over niggles to overcome.
“We’ve had a few issues since his race – foot infections and all sorts of things. But we’re on top of all that now and he’s working well.”
“We should get away okay from that draw and be handy.”
Rounding out Holmes’ chances will be another last start winner Midnight Diamond in race 7, the Fulton Hogan Ltd Mobile Trot over 1700m. The four-year-old mare by Royalty For Life was the first winner for the stallion when successful at Addington on July 26.
“She seems good. She’s got good standing start manners and the race looks like it might pan out pretty nicely.”
“We will race her a bit now then she’ll have a break in the spring time.”
Holmes has trained 578 winners in his career to date, including nine winners this season and trains around 27 horses.
Racing commences today from 12:50pm.
