By Mike Love
Carrera Bravo headlines Kimberly Butt’s four drives at Phar Lap Raceway in Timaru today. But there is a word of warning.
Carrera Bravo ($3.20FF) is in Race 2, the Happy Birthday Marion Begg Mobile Pace for Butt and her Ashburton-based employers Brent and Tim White.
“He should be a pretty good chance again. He should be running on at the end.”
The three-year-old Downbytheseaside gelding has placed twice from as many starts, with the start crucial to his chances.
“He’s got a few tricks up his sleeve, so as long as he behaves in the score up I expect him to be competitive.”
The market currently projects The Mantis ($1.90FF) to start as a warm favourite.
Butt also drives fresh up runner Jazzy’s Upstart ($18.00FF) for the Whites in Race 6, the Empire Hotel Social Club Mobile Pace. After winning her maiden back in May on today’s track, Butt suggests the Downbytheseaside filly will benefit from today’s return.
“She’s quite a big girl so needed that break. But she will be dictated by her draw.”
“There’s a couple of smart ones in there. It definitely won’t be easy for her. But she’s a good each way chance with the right run.”
Butt also drives two for Phil Anderson. Freedoms Beauty ($21.00FF) in Race 3, the Morrison’s Saddlery & Feed Pace ran second three starts back at Rangiora.
“No luck whatsoever with her recently. But she has good manners and if she can bring them with her she’s a good first four player.”
Rounding out Butt’s engagements is Ideal Chevron ($12.00FF) in Race 9, Race 9, the Mainfert Mobile Pace. The five-year-old American Ideal gelding will be looking to record his fourth career win.
“He went off the boil for a couple of starts but I was happy with him at Mot last week. He can probably make his own luck so we will see how we get off the gate and work our way into the race from there.”
Butt has driven 174 winners to date, including 19 this season.
Racing commences from 12:20pm and is the final meeting supporting Blue September, the fund-raiser for the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation.
