Woodend Beach trainers Greg and Nina Hope head to Ashburton raceway today with a team of eight runners who will all have their say in their respective events.
The Hope’s secured 45 winners last season, finishing seventh in the trainers premiership and will look to kick start their season with a range of chances today, all of which co-trainer Nina Hope suggests luck will be needed.
First up in race two the Wattslea Farms Pace over 2400m is Christian Bale ($4.40FF) for Ben Hope. Coming in fresh and drawn two, the Vincent four old will have to bring manners to make the most of the handy draw.
“He’s got a motor but he can do things wrong. But if he does things right he’ll be in it,” said Nina.
The Hope’s then team up with a double pronged attack in race four the Poplar Flat Farm/Red Park Farm F&M mobile trot with what Hope suggests may be one of their better chances of the day with Love Walked In ($4.50FF).
“She’s a nice horse. She went three minutes first up then galloped at Motukarara. 1700m might be too short for her, but she will make her presence felt.”
Ben Hope takes the drive.
While their other runner drawn two Crazy N Love ($7.00FF) will be driven by Blair Orange.
“She has been a little disappointing in her last couple. But we’ve put the Half Blinds and Murphy on today. We may see a different horse today.”
Franco Elvis ($8.00FF) and Ben Hope come up with a beaut draw of barrier one in race six the Morrison Mitsubishi Ashburton mobile pace.
“It’s always a step up in the first start out of maidens, but he is a nice horse. He will be better with more time.”
Jack Tar ($6.50FF) returns after a medical event at Westport. He takes his place in race seven the Phillips Family handicap pace over 2400m.
Hope says the now ten year old seems bright and well for today’s assignment with Ben Hope in the sulky.
“He trialled at Ashburton quietly. He always tries his best. He likes the track and likes a hot pace. He should do a nice job.”
Race eight the Mike Greer Homes mobile trot sees Ben Hope and Crown The Moment ($4.50FF) looking to go one better than his previous two second placings.
“He went through a bit of a flat patch but has picked up his form in his last few. He was stiff not to win his last start. So if he keeps racing well he’ll be a nice show.”
Rounding out the day and the Hope’s chances in race nine the Fiona Stuart Memorial mobile pace are Krystal Delight ($16.00FF) for driver Henry Sail and last start winner Westar Molly ($5.00FF) for Ben Hope.
“She (Westar Molly) tries hard. We had the pull down blinds on her last start and it worked the oracle on her. She should go another nice race.”
The nine race programme gets underway at 12:47pm.
