by Brigette Solomon
The country’s most successful driver ever Tony Herlihy looks poised to add to his tally at Alexandra Park tonight.
He has seven drives in all.
Of the six runners from his Papakura stables the first is Luby Lill in Race 2, who will look to go one better after running third and second from her two starts this campaign.
With three runners in Race 3, Herlihy drives Jethro Bodine, who is fresh up this preparation but has shown ability when running second at first start in February. Also contesting are Busload Of Faith driven by Tony Cameron who has placed third in two starts to date, and Park Lane driven by Maurice McKendry.
“Of the three I think Busload Of Faith is probably just a step ahead of the other two at this stage” says Herlihy.
Ordained starts in Race 4 and can’t be discounted with the three-year-old Father Patrick gelding having two wins and a placing to his name from just six starts.
The final runner for the Herlihy stable is Bettor Heist in Race 7. The gelding has been racing consistently well and has potential to get a good trip from his second-row draw of 9.
Herlihy’s outside drives also boast good form and include Whooshka in Race 5, Laurie’s Legacy in Race 6, and Emily Bay in Race 8.
Zachary Butcher will be chasing success with talented trotter That’s What We Do at Alexandra Park on Friday.
Trained by John Dickie at Clevedon, That’s What We Do starts in Race 6, the Air MC Ltd Handicap over 2700m. The gelding finished sixth in his last start, when despite briefly galloping away, he lobbed a spot three back on the pegs only to be held up for clear running in the straight.
“Being slow away after the early mistake and against some quick horses over 2200m cost him last week, but all going well I think he’ll be hard to beat in the finish,” says Butcher.
Also contesting Race 6 is Aflyinspur who ran a bold third fresh up a fortnight ago for trainer-driver Todd Mitchell, With Ice a winner two starts ago, and Trot To Chevron who resumes for Robert and Jenna Dunn.
Later in the night Butcher drives first starter Day Dreamz in Race 9 for the Steven Reid & Simon McMullen partnership.
“She has trialled up well and should go a nice race although experience may tell especially in the small field.”
Butcher also drives Sonsofthemerch – Race 2, Smart And Mighty – Race 3, Sharkies Girl – Race 5, and Midfrew Lucre – Race 7.
