By Michael Guerin Team Dunn losing their top chance out of the main race at Alexandra Park tonight doesn’t mean they can’t still win it. But trainer Robert Dunn says snaring the race they’ve sponsored, the Diamond Racing Stables Supporting NZHAT Mobile Pace, has become a lot more difficult and not just because they have had to scratch Triple G. The potential favourite has been taken out after developing a slight infection and his withdrawal and that of Fernleigh Cash and My Copy reduces the field to six starters over…
Category: Harness
Black Mach gunning for three in a row at Addington tonight
By Michael Guerin Trainer Ken Barron admits he doesn’t know whether Black Mach is a victim or a villain but tonight’s $25,000 Garrards National Handicap at Addington could help clarify that. The big fella goes into what could loosely be termed the first steps on the road to the IRT New Zealand Cup, although whether any who contest tonight’s 2600m standing start end up in the great race is doubtful. But it is a solid field in a race that carries a great name and Black Mach goes into it…
Hill and Macca Lodge keen to keep momentum going at Invercargill
By Jonny Turner Max Hill has starred on the rugby field this winter and will attempt to do the same at Ascot Park on Thursday. The junior driver was part of Wyndham’s Division One rugby competition win late last month. The victory was nice reward for Hill who had to sit out part of the rugby and harness racing seasons with a leg injury recently. The reinsman is safer than other Southland junior drivers under the high ball, but he isn’t one to talk up his rugby skill. “I scored…
Youngster to debut as Cambridge rolls out new Tuesday meetings
By Brigette Solomon There is another new addition to the northern junior driver ranks this week with Kate Coppins having her first race day drive at Cambridge Raceway today. The 19-year-old from Morrinsville, who is the granddaughter of trainer Jill Coppins, has long been involved with horses, competing in Kidz Kartz and equestrian events. Through family, Coppins has always been involved with harness racing and is now employed by Cambridge trainer Arna Donnelly and loving every minute. “I got my trials licence when I was in my last year at…
Thornley a chance to go to top of junior drivers’ premiership
By Mike Love Sam Thornley has a great chance to overtake Carter Dalgety in the junior drivers premiership at Addington on Sunday. With Dalgety leading the premiership on 38 wins on an overseas venture in the United States, Thornley who is sitting on 37 wins has a good opportunity today with five each way chances. “It’s not really on my mind much. It’s still a long way until the end of the season, so we will see what happens,” said Thornley. “It’s definitely a goal to do a little bit…
Training pacesetters go head-to-head at Alexandra Park tonight
By Michael Guerin The Team Telfer fightback goes up a gear at Alexandra Park tonight. And while senior trainer Steve Telfer admits winning the premiership won’t be easy he hasn’t give up on it yet. Telfer and training partner and sister Amanda go into tonight’s meeting on 74 wins, 22 behind the Robert and Jenna Dunn combination, with the two stables having almost identical strike rates but the Dunns have had more starters. The Telfers have a big team in tonight, with open class stars like B D Joe and…
Stella Bay carrying Bond family’s hopes in Winton
By Jonny Turner Lyndon Bond hopes he can produce a special win at Winton as harness racing resumes in Southland today. The Bond stable is a family operation with Lyndon’s wife Aimee and daughter Millie contributing to the team’s great results in recent seasons. Recently the family suffered the loss of Aimee’s father Colin Argyle, whose funeral was held on Wednesday. Bond would dearly love to acknowledge his father in law’s passing with what would be a special victory at Winton. “The old fella left $50 in his back pocket…
In-form Williamson team aiming high
By Jonny Turner Matthew Williamson’s team is flying. Not literally, as they are doing many miles up and down the middle of the South Island via horse transporter. But as far as form goes, the Oamaru trainer has produced excellent results this year which only seem to get better the further the winter goes on. While Williamson’s team on the track is doing their bit, he credits his team off the track for his great run of success in 2024. “It’s a big team effort and there are a lot…
Warren Stapleton bringing value to Addington today
By Mike Love Rakaia trainer Warren Stapleton has three chances at good odds today at Addington. In race 1, the Betavet Prepare, He’s Santas Excuse ($21.00FF) will line up for just the second time for Stapleton after things went awry last week. “He was hitting the wheels last week. So we are expecting a more improved run this week. He would be a good place bet.” He’s Santas Excuse will be driven by Warren Frost who also part owns the gelding of Net Ten EOM. Race 5, the Betavet Regumare…
Major Hot to lead Kiwi charge in Brisbane tonight
By Adam Hamilton Daring to chase the riches in Queensland could still bring Group 1 glory for David and Stacey White, just not with the horse they expected. The Whites, the lone Kiwis flying the flag through this huge Queensland Constellations, had to scrap Group 1 plans with their top young trotter Bet N Win due to a cruelly-timed hoof abscess. Enter their new stable addition Major Hot. The fact they were spending a chunk of time in Queensland with Bet N Win, saw Major Hot transferred to them from…