Category: Punting

Every week we look at the trials and workouts from right around the country. Who’s impressing and who looks ready to race? The Ashburton trials Tuesday 5th DecemberWeather Overcast Track Good Jukebox Gypsy (2f Rock N Roll Heaven – Gypsy’s Choice) In the hands of her trainer Gerard O’Reilly, the filly went to the front then cleared out from her rivals over final 400m. MR:2:02.5, 800m in 60.5, 400m in 29.9. She is the first foal of a mare that won five races herself and this effort suggested that she…

By Adam Hamilton  Star Kiwi-bred mare Amore Vita has collapsed and died in track work. Devastated owner-breeder Steve Dolan said he was still trying to come to terms with losing the mighty mare. “I’m still trying to digest it all,” he said. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed some tears. “It’s a huge financial loss with a mare like her, but it hurts a lot more emotionally. “I’m gutted to be honest. Clayton (Tonkin) told me she just dropped dead of a heart attack while jogging.” Amore…

By Jonny Turner Though the trotters are long gone from Forbury Park, the locals can still claim victory in the revived Dunedin Trotters Cup at Wingatui on Friday. The dust has been wiped off the trophy for the feature event, which will be back up for grabs after a hiatus. Carrying Group 2 status in its prime, the return of the Dunedin Trotters Cup will carry a $20,000 stake and be run over 2200m under handicap conditions. With horse numbers in the Dunedin region having free-fallen in the months following…

By Michael Guerin Lady Of The Light has decided her own tactics for tonight’s $40,000 Caduceus Club Northern Breeders Stakes at Alexandra Park. Because trainer Jeremy Young says her form and work dictate she tries to lead and stay in front of the other favourites Aardie’s Express and Manhattan in the mare’s Group 3 over 2200m. The race may be the lead-up to next Friday’s Queen Of Hearts but Pukekohe trainer Young says that doesn’t mean Lady Of The Light should duck for cover and try and conserve her energy…

By Michael Guerin Champion filly Millwood Nike is out of Sunday’s Tennant Engineering New Zealand Pacing Oaks with her immediate future in doubt. One of the biggest drawcards on the massive Grand Prix day at Addington, the hot favourite was scratched on Thursday morning after she was found to have a swollen tendon, with co-trainer Mark Purdon hoping it is from a paddock knock. “We will know more after we get it scanned,” says Purdon. The setback means not only will Millwood Nike miss her shot at the Oaks and…

by Brigette Solomon David Butcher is always one to follow on his home track and lines up a number of good chances at Cambridge Raceway tonight. But the Waikato-based trainer-driver is leaning more towards place chances with his runners, rather than outright winners. The first of Butcher’s starters is Changealot in Race 3, the Dunstan Salute Mobile Pace over 2200m. “He’s got a good draw so with a good trip and a bit of luck he’s a place chance” says Butcher. Romeo Foxtrot, a strong winner a fortnight ago at…

By Adam Hamilton Will there be two successful Aussie raids at Addington in less than a month? Swayzee set the tone with his powerhouse NZ Cup win on November 14, when he became just the second Aussie-trained pacer since My Lightning Blue in 1987 to win the iconic race. Now top young trotter Not As Promised gets his turn. His Queensland-based trainer Graham Dwyer already feels like a winner. Dwyer has been in New Zealand since last Thursday with Not As Promised, who is one of the favourites for Sunday’s…

By Michael Guerin Oscar Bonavena may have been handed a shot at a most unlikely Trotter of the Year title at Addington on Sunday. There wouldn’t have been a day in 2023 that Muscle Mountain hasn’t been considered our best trotter and he still is but he will now miss Sunday’s $110,000 Livamol NZ Trotting Free-For-All after a slight setback and won’t race again this year. He goes to the paddock the winner of eight of 12 starts including two Group 1s in 2023, which encapsulates the harness racing season…