Category: Punting

By Jonny Turner A smarter and stronger Captain Tom showed he is ready to return to top-level racing when scoring a fresh up win at Winton on Saturday. The three-year-old cruised away from a hardy bunch of rivals to score an impressive win in his first race day outing since May. Always an immense talent, Captain Tom showed improved ringcraft in his return for trainer Alister Black and driver Williamson. Those manners should prove a vital asset when Captain Tom has another crack at Group 1 level next month. “He…

By Jonny Turner The scratching of two-time defending champion Mataderos means its advantage Purdon in the Group Three D G Jones Banks Peninsula Trotting Cup. Mark and Nathan Purdon will return their star trotter Oscar Bonavena to racing in the 2810m staying test while Michael Purdon lines up the in-form Mystic Max. All Stars trainer Mark Purdon has conceded that Oscar Bonavena will benefit from having his first race since May, but as the only Group 1 winner in the field the seven-year-old must go close on class alone. Oscar…

Jonny Turner’s selections for Motukarara today.              Race   Jonny TurnerRacing Journalist  Race 112.30pm 4 Love Walked In7 Muscle Sass5 Opawa Peak2 Tilthesunsets    Race 212.57pm 1 Rakero Scotty8 Dean James6 Kiwi Lightning10 Macy Black  Race 31.22pm 2 Major Henry10 Sailor Boy12 Alta Showgirl18 Take The Deal  Race 41.49pm 11 Verducci6 Terror Ma Sue16 Seacracka7 A Guinness Rock  Race 52.14pm 1 Crazy N Love8 Crown The Moment3 Monarch Prince14 Natives Inferno  Race 62.39pm 2 Flyaway6 King Arthur14 Expressive Love12 Baltimore Jill  Race 73.04pm 7 Moonlite…

By Jonny Turner Expect to see Mid Canterbury trainers Brent and Tim White line up a strong team at Winton on Saturday, rain, hail or shine. The White stable took three runners south on Friday, making it across floodwaters while Southland was in a state of emergency. While heavy downpours and road closures put Saturday’s meeting in some doubt, a track inspection and the reopening of roads has meant the meeting will be largely unaffected by the recent wild weather. The White stable’s four runners include the big striding trotter,…

Saturday’s Winton Harness Racing Club meeting will go ahead as planned, despite this week’s adverse weather in the deep south. There’s been massive rainfall in recent days, with a state of emergency declared in Southland and parts of Otago. Queenstown for instance had its wettest 24 hours (87mm) this century. An inspection has been made of the track, and it has been given the all clear by the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) who have stated it is in a good condition. But there are a number of road closures throughout…

By Michael Guerin Trainer Steven Reid has come up with a simple plan to win tonight’s $110,000 Caduceus Club Classic with Coastal Babe as Group 1 racing returns to Alexandra Park. “I am going to give Matty (White, driver) the reins and tell him to do whatever he wants,” says Reid. While that might sound a little vague heading into the first huge race of the juvenile fillies pacing season, Reid says it is too early in Coastal Babe’s career for her to have a definitive racing style or know…

by Don Rae Behind The Breeds is a new series where breeding enthusiast Don Rae takes a deep dive into the pedigree of some of today’s trotters and pacers. In this edition he casts his eye on North Canterbury and North Otago. The North Canterbury Owners and Breeders trials on 13 September showcased two potentially smart young trotters to swell the ranks of promising juveniles. Pasternak (2 B g Volstead – Lara Lass trained by Ross Houghton) and Lil Whip (2 B f Father Patrick – Eilish Aimee trained by…

Come along and support the Blue September Campaign with a fun night of Bingo at Spectators on Tuesday 26th September.  $25 for each ticket includes your Bingo cards and nibbles. Contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz to book your spot today – tickets selling fast and bookings close today (Thursday 21st)