by Jonny Turner
Sam Ottley is hoping she doesn’t have to pull out the wet weather gear on the final day of the Central Otago New Year’s harness racing circuit.
Though if she does it may boost the chances of Deceptive Lee in the Cromwell Cup.
The David Mitchell trained pacer clearly has speed to burn on dry tracks, but his two runs on rain-affected turf were both outstanding.
Deceptive Lee comes into the Cromwell feature after running a respectable fifth in the Central Otago Cup behind Henry Hubert.
On form the horse rates a huge winning threat in today’s feature, but with forecasts for rain during the twilight programme at Cromwell those chances could get a boost.
Either way, Ottley is looking forward to combining with Deceptive Lee who she rates as a horse with a decent future.
“I have a bit of a time for him – he is going to be alright that boy.”
“It was a pretty hot field at Omakau and he didn’t disgrace himself sitting parked.”
“I thought it was a nice race for him on Friday.”
Franco Norton rates the horse to beat in the Cromwell Cup despite starting from the 20m back mark.
The pacer showed brilliant speed when winning the Gore Cup over an arguably stronger field.
“Franco Norton is the one to beat on his run last start.”
“Deceptive Lee has got 10m on him and I don’t think the standing start will worry him – he has had a few.”
Ottley also combines with the David Mitchell trained Asian Elvis in race 12.
The pacer didn’t get much luck at Roxburgh on Wednesday but his form prior was strong.
“Just the way the race was run at Roxburgh didn’t help him, but before that I was so pleased with him at Reefton.”
“He was actually a bit unlucky.”
“He has got a nice draw to work with and if he gets any sort of run he should be a show in that field.”
Wavewatcher looks another strong winning threat for Ottley at Cromwell.
The pacer had to chase the smart Captain Tom home at Omakau on Monday.
“It looks a big drop in grade for him.”
Step It Up A Notch also rates among Ottley’s better drives following his strong second behind Sand Wave at Gore.
Ottley rates Lizzie Richter a winning threat so long as she brings he manners to race 5 which looks a big question mark.
