By Jonny Turner
Brett Gray brings fast horses to the fast meeting at Ascot Park on Thursday.
Quickfire action awaits punters with the Fast10 harness racing concept back in action for the first time this spring across an eight-race card.
Making a fast beginning will be the priority for the Gray trained Peregrine when she starts from a 30m handicap in race 3.
That mark is no easy feat over 2200m at Ascot Park, but on the mare’s side she takes on just five rivals and she is usually a smart beginner.
“Hopefully she can cut that handicap back a bit, Gray said.
“It is not easy from 30m behind over 2200m but Copy That did it from 55m behind so we are giving it a go.”
“She is going in a bit fresh but she seems forward enough.”
Joe’s Rock steps out in race 7 on the back of a smart Wyndham win for the Gray stable.
Barrier 6 isn’t ideal for the mare, but she is showing the kind of versatility needed to overcome it.
“Joe’s Rock is probably our best chance, Gray said.
“Earlier we thought she was a sit-sprinter because she has high speed, but she is pretty versatile now.”
“With a bit of luck from the draw she should be right there.”
A Major Starr resumes for the Gray stable in race 6, also drawing the outside of the front line in barrier 6.
“He is a nice horse, he has got a bit to learn and is still pretty green.”
“It would have been better for him if he drawn in a bit but hopefully he can be in it from out there.”
Rewiri Hill debuts in for the Gray barn in race 1.
The trotter has trialled well ahead, but still has plenty to learn about racing.
“He is green and he is getting better and better with each run at the workouts.”
“The ability is there but he work in still a work in progress.”
Jaccka Opa has been in ordinary form recently but he trialled very well at the Winton workouts recently.
Gray admitted he doesn’t know which version of the horse will front up in race 8.
“He is an enigma, he is a tricky horse.”
“He can run a good race if he gets things his way and he shows up in the right mood.”
Blair Orange drives Joe’s Rock on Thursday with Brent Barclay to handle the remainder of the Gray team.
