A seven race meeting at Cambridge today will kick off another busy harness racing week.
The meeting, starting at 4.18pm, will include the latest round of the Metro Series heats for the pacers and trotters. Action then heads south to Oamaru tomorrow ahead of a Friday double-header at Auckland and Westport and then the weekend meetings at Invercargill on Saturday and Reefton on Sunday.
So Mystifying returns in Metro Series heat at Cambridge
By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
Raceday temperament will play a big part in how So Mystifying goes in her return to the races in the Garrards Horse And Hound Metro Series Heat 1 Mobile Trot (5.59pm) at Cambridge this evening.
The Father Patrick five-year-old hasn’t raced since November and has not been to the trials ahead of her race day resumption.
“She has the ability and it just depends on her mood on the day,” says Emily Johnson who drives the mare for trainer Sean McCaffrey, “hopefully she’ll behave herself.”
“From the draw (7) we will go back.”
Johnson drove her in her only success so far, at Cambridge in August last year and drives her regularly at home.
“She’s a top three chance in that field and one to watch in the next few starts.”
So Mystifying is a $7.50 fifth favourite, with Eagle Hanover the top pick at $4.
Johnson will also drive one of the outsiders Pass Code for trainer Tim Hall in Race 6, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Metro Series Heat 1 Mobile Pace (6.24pm)
The Gold Ace four-year-old was fourth in her last start on the grass at Hawera, with the combo winning at Otaki on January 19.
“We will roll forward and see where she lobs.”
The Jeremy Young-trained Mantra is a $4.60 favourite
The top four from both Metro Series heats will qualify for the two $35,000 finals at Alexandra Park on March 21. Another round of heats will be run at Alexandra Park on March 14.
Johnson has three drives on the day, starting with Highview Rockn Roll in Race 3, the Wednesday Quiz Night at the Clubhouse Handicap Trot.
The 10-year-old has been a great performer for trainer Donald Cossey and won three starts ago for Johnson at Otaki.
“She loves to be on the pace and just keeps rolling,” says Johnson, “she’s a tough old girl.”
She’s currently at $5, with Castana a $2.50 favourite.
