By Mike Love
Aylesbury trainer Geoff Dunn takes a trio of chances to the Addington Raceway meeting today, and two of them look likely to start favourite.
“I am happy with them all. But they will all need some luck,” sad Dunn.
In race 1, the Redpaths Suppliers Of Everything Electrical Mobile Pace over 2600m, Dunn lines up race favourite My Ten Guitars ($3.60FF). The four-year-old Downbytheseaside mare was gallant in defeat last week running second to Hoo Haa, and with a better draw today over a distance that suits, Dunn is hoping for a competitive output today.
“She’s an honest wee maiden. Her work has been good and she can stay a bit. The distance today should suit her so I’m expecting her to be in the finish.”
Millie Lou ($15.00FF) will need to overcome a wide barrier draw to be a contender in race 3, the Redpaths Getaway Japan 2025 mobile pace over 1980m. The three-year-old Sweet Lou filly has drawn seven and will need to contend with warm favourite Eyeliner for Mark and Nathan Purdon.
“She has a few wee issues. She is a nice horse and well bred, but I’m more hopeful than I am confident with that draw today. She’ll need a bit of luck.”
Rounding out Dunn’s chances this afternoon is another race favourite Ocean Breeze ($3.50FF) in race 7, the Redpaths Workmate Mobile Pace over 1980m. The four-year-old Downbytheseasode mare produced a sound placing at her last start, but will need to work at some stage during the race from her wider barrier draw to be a factor for punters.
“She’s trained on really good since last week. She’s tough and honest and I’m really happy with her. But again, being drawn wide will play a role in the outcome for her today.”
John Dunn will drive all three runners.
Racing commences from 12:35pm.
Henry Sail gets two wins in a week
Canterbury junior driver Henry Sail completed a double for the week in the sulky when he steered Mr Love to win the Avon City Ford Mobile Trot at Addington on Friday night for employers Greg and Nina Hope.
The win followed Sail’s victory on Crown The Moment at Addington on June 30.
“It was really good!,” said Sail.
Sail settled back with Mr Love before executing a well timed move to zip around the field to the parked position from the 1200m. From there Sail and the five-year-old son of Love You savaged their way to the lead from the 400m to brilliantly hold off his rivals comfortably to win by one and three quarters of a length from Galleons Ambassador and Spy Da Moment.
“I did think he was the best horse in the race. I didn’t want to do too much off the gate with him. So I took him around the field and he was just too good.”
“Greg had been working him during the week and was very happy with him. He told me to drive him like that, and I did and it all paid off.”
Mr Love is now establishing himself as a very strong intermediate grade trotter that looks likely to go on with it into the higher grades. Mr Love has now won seven of his fifteen starts and stakes of over $80,000.
“Greg and Nina have been really good to me, putting me on some really nice horses. I can’t thank them enough and hopefully I keep doing a good job for them.”
Mr Love’s victory was part of a training double for the Hopes after Mavis Jones won earlier in the night at 30/1 with driver Matthew Williamson.
Prior to working full time with the Hopes, Sail worked for David Butt, Brendon Hill and Kyle Cameron.
Sail will drive Dem Bones Dem Bones for trainer Ben Hope at Addington Raceway on Sunday.
“She may have been tying-up a little last time, so we expect a better run from her.”