By Brigette Solomon
Junior driver Crystal Hackett has three promising drives at Alexandra Park, all for her parents, Waiuku based trainers Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett.
“All three of the horses are nice each way chances,” says Hackett, “they’ve all been racing well but they meet fairly level fields tonight.”
The first of the series races is Race 5, The Woodlands Stud Winter Rewards Final Handicap Trot over 2700 metres, in which Hackett drives Magic Dash who starts off a 20 metre handicap.
“I’ll be looking to drive Magic Dash with a sit tonight and I’m confident he’ll finish off better this week.”
The five-year-old gelding has six wins to his name including a win and placings over this journey at Alexandra Park. Although unplaced in his last outing after sitting parked for the majority of the event, Magic Dash’s prior form has been consistent and included placing second and finishing just 1.2 lengths behind Matty A on June 27.
Hackett’s next drive is Nelson’s Boy in Race 6, the Southern Cross Partners Winter Rewards Final Mobile Pace over 2200 metres.
The Washington VC gelding was a last start winner here on July 12, flashing home late in his typical fashion to beat Wicked Wanda and Fifth And Final. A winner of eight races, all at Alexandra Park, the gelding starts the race from barrier seven.
“Nelson will need a bit of luck out wide I think,” says Hackett, “he’s got no gate speed so will be back early and although he can run a quick last quarter, it’s an even field, so it will depend what happens up front.”
In Race 8, the Tactical Approach @ Alabar – Winter Rewards Final Handicap Trot, Hackett drives Five O’Clock Gerry.
The four-year-old gelding starts the 2700 metre event off the unruly with a 10 metre handicap and exhibited a strong performance over this trip, albeit off the front line, at his last start on July 12. On that occasion, he finished second behind talented three-year-old Pantani.
“He’s a pretty versatile horse so I’ll just see what happens early with him,” says Hackett, “being off 10 metres shouldn’t be too much of a worry and it’s a small enough field with nine starters.”
“With a bit of luck in running all three should be thereabouts.”
Racing action gets underway with Race one at 6:00pm with the Winter Rewards Finals being Races 5, 6,
