By Mike Love
Scratchings have massively changed the complexion of today’s Placemakers Timaru/Twizel/Oamaru Geraldine Cup on the grass at Orari.
First it was the in-form Wild Willow who was taken out, followed by $2.10 favourite Mo’unga this morning. It’s believed he has an abscess issue.
That leaves the Cran and Chrissie Dalgety-trained Hey Bartender the top pick, with latest markets having him at $2.60.
Ashburton trainers Brent and Tim White line up two runners in the event, Got You Covered and American Me. The latter was a contender in the New Zealand Cup, and then ran a credible fifth in last week’s Green Mile at Methven.
Co-trainer Tim White is happy with where his two runners are at heading into today’s race.
“Both seem really good. Got You Covered can go a good race from his draw and American Me seems very well and is a top four player,” said White.
Got You Covered will be driven by Kimberly Butt and American Me will be piloted by Gerard O’Reilly.
Ashburton trainer Laurence Hanrahan lines up two runners – Tanzania with John Morrison to drive – and Woodbine Rocks with Jim Curtin. Hanrahan will be looking for a pick me up after suffering a kick from a horse at Methven races last week which left him with broken ribs and other injuries.
Tanzania should land into a handy position from his draw closer to the rails, while Woodbine Rocks will need to get the start right to play a part.
Tanzania is one of two runners, the other being Buckskin, who were in last year’s Cup won by Here’s Herbie while Homebush Lad is back after winning the Cup two years ago.
The first of the day’s 12 races will go at 12:05pm with the Geraldine Cup at 3.43pm.
