By Mike Love
An exciting and even line-up will contest today’s $35,000 Robin & Geraldine Wilson Rangiora Classic.
The 2600m feature on the grass (3.14pm) sees Pinseeker a $4 favourite for trainer-driver Jonny Cox, while last year’s winner Franco Marek will be looking for back to back Classics after a powerful fresh up display at Addington. He’s currently at $4.60.
Looking to spoil the party is the Mark and Nathan Purdon trained Vessem to be driven by Blair Orange. The four-year-old Vincent gelding was gallant in defeat last time out behind a fresh up Franco Marek. Having only his second start on the grass surface, Nathan Purdon is happy leading into today.
“He’s come through the run very well,” said Purdon.
Veseem and Pinseeker will begin off 20 metres, while Franco Marek has a big task from the 35 metre mark.
“He’s taken a lot of benefit from his last run fitness wise.”
Purdon agrees that Franco Marek will be a leading danger but is confident Veseem is up to the task.
“I think our guy is as good as any in the field.”
Other chances in the event include the Laurance Hanrahan trained Tanzania who will be piloted by Gerard O’Reilly, who is just wins away from 700 career driving victories.
Biggles for trainer John Murdoch will face his stiffest test to date, while the Amanda and Steve Telfer trained Cocktails And Caviar is fresh up after nearly a year and will look to remain unbeaten having won two from two.
The southerners have a representative in Still Rockin for Ricky Gutsell and Dance Til Dawn is looking for a hat trick, and is the strongest of the three Jenna and Robert Dunn trained runners – the others being Bryce’s Meddle and Double Time.
The classic is set to go at 3:14pm
To place a bet on the race click here
