By Brigette Solomon
Local trainer Stephen Doody will have a big presence with seven starters as he tries to continue a winning run at Manawatu today.
“I was happy with most of the horses’ runs on Tuesday,” says Doody, “neither of Tuesday’s winners are backing up but Johnny Who joins today’s starters.”
Doody trained a winning double on Tuesday with Mr Monty and Blue Chip Lou both driven by the country’s leading driver Blair Orange. The pair team up again today with Orange engaged to drive five of Doody’s horses including Johnny Who, a winner of his last two starts.
Johnny Who and stable mate Sweet Olivia, driven by Josh Dickie, both start in race one, the Rural Games 8-10 March Handicap Trot.
“Johnny Who raced well at Hawera winning on both occasions and should go well again today,” says Doody, “the only question will be starting from one on the 10 metre line, as he does prefer to start out wide on the track.”
Bettor Grunter starts in race six, the Kevin & Shirley Farrier Mobile Pace over 2500 metres. The gelding fought on well to finish runner up behind Eastwood Dream on Tuesday and is driven by Orange again today.
“He’s drawn the front today so may have a chance to settle a bit closer in running which will be a help,” says Doody.
Maiden filly Million Dollar Chic is driven by Orange today and starts in race seven, The Cobb Mobile Pace
In her third placed run on Tuesday, the filly settled at the tail of the field from her starting draw of seven, and commenced her run home three wide from the 600 metre mark. After being forced wider on the final bend, the filly battled on well to finish third behind Blue Chip Lou.
In the final race of the day, Doody and Orange combine with Narobi competing in the C A Penny Mobile Pace, while stablemate Sharkntatties is driven by Jay Abernethy.
“Narobi was a bit unlucky on Tuesday being held up in the run home” says Doody “I think she’ll go a good race today although Secrets Abound could be hard to beat.”
Narobi finished second behind Rakero Scotty on Tuesday, battling on well after the leading Sharkntatties began to tire in front of her. The race favourite, Secrets Abound, looked a winner before breaking in the home straight and was subsequently disqualified.
Race one gets underway today at 5:31pm.
