By Mike Love
Greg and Nina Hope will be looking to continue their successful weekend today at Addington, following on from their very good trotter Mr Love’s success on Friday night.
Co-trainer Nina Hope believes they have the team to make that happen.
Their first chance comes in race 3,the Loburn Sawmill For All Your Firewood & Timber Needs Pace over 2000m when Christian Bale ($7.00FF) lines up on debut with driver John Dunn.
The three-year-old Vincent gelding qualified up north for Andre Poutama in November last year before a stint with Ray Green. He transferred to the Hopes at the end of May this year.
“He’s a big horse out of Helena Jet which we trained. Their feet weren’t the best so we thought the beach might be good for him”, says Hope.
“He’s still really green and will definitely improve with the run. The motor is there but has a few things to learn.”
Westar Molly ($6.50FF) lines up in race 6, the “He’s All Go” The Wonder Dog (Junior Drivers) mobile pace over 1980m. The six-year-old Changeover mare will be driven by stable employee Henry Sail who will be looking to continue his recent success in the colours.
“She’s a tough wee thing. The draw is a bit wider than we would’ve liked. It’s a good even field today, so she will need a bit of luck but she’s in a good space at the moment.”
Hope describes Lady Vincent ($3.70FF) as one of their better chances of the day when she lines up in race 7, the ‘Buy Kiwi Made’ Standing At Wai Eyre Farm pace over 2000m with Ricky May in the bike.
The four-year-old Vincent mare has been racing consistently well and deserves a maiden victory.
“The only miss she’s had was a couple of starts back where she tied up a bit. But she has trained on well and is really well within herself. I expect her to do well.”
“She’s probably our best chance of the day.”
The colours stay on May as he steers Freya ($4.60FF) in race 8, the Thanks To My Loyal Owners And Supporters Mobile Trot over 1980m. A half sister to the aforementioned Friday night winner Mr Love, Hope believes the daughter of Volstead will still be competitive despite not being completely happy with her.
“The draw shouldn’t worry her. She will probably just go back then use her high speed. Sitting parked last start wasn’t really her go.”
“She is a very nice horse and does have a few issues. We know we don’t have her at 100% at the moment but she should still be very competitive.”
Finally in race 9, the Thanks Rangiora Equine Services mobile pace over 2600m, Krystal Delight ($5.50FF) will step out for driver Ricky May.
“She will go another nice race. She just gets out there and gives one hundred percent every time. Although I do prefer her over the 1980m, she has won once and placed five times over the 2600m.”
The Hopes have trained 17 winners so far this season.
Racing commences from 12:40pm.