By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
From her West Melton base Amber Lethaby will take five horses south to Timaru on Wednesday.
The Timaru Harness Racing’s midweek meeting is a first for the club. It marks the first time they’ll race on the grass track usually reserved for the gallopers at Phar Lap Raceway.
From her five chances Lethaby reckons some can certainly run in the money.
“When you look at Racey Krusa, Sweet Glory and Gamely they are all each-way chances, the other two I would just be watching.”
A three-race winner, Racey Krusa is the best supported at $4.80 in Race 5, the Equine Veterinary Services / Jim Williamson Memorial Trot.
“Getting the country’s leading driver doesn’t hurt,” says Lethaby.
Blair Orange has been engaged to drive with the stable’s go-to driver Sheree Tomlinson committed with Zsazsa Binx. The in-form Tomlinson will drive the stable’s other four runners.
“The 2100 metres will really suit him,” Lethaby said of Racey Krusa, “he’s not as good over 2600.”
The eight-year-old hinted he’s too far away from another win with a third last start at Oamaru.
Also third last start, at Waimate, was Gamely.
She lines up in Race 3, the Southwest Refrigeration Limited Pace.
“She’s going well,” says Lethaby, “but we are always having trouble with her taking the passing lane.”
“That’s probably cost her two wins so far.”
She’s had three placings from nine race day starts so far.
Lethaby is also keen on Sweet Glory’s chances in Race 6, the Performance Equine Ltd Mobile Pace.
She has won one from 16 with her success coming at Methven in February.
“She’s had bad draws and bad luck since then though we were disappointed with her at Oamaru last time.”
In that run she finished 12th on March 23.
“She didn’t sprint on as we know she can and if she runs up to her ability she’s an each-way chance.”
Lethaby’s other two runners are Star Invasion, a 15 start maiden, in Race 1, the Brosnan Transport Passing Lane Trot and Santa Cruz, a five-year-old gelding on debut in Race 2, the New World Timaru Mobile Pace.
“Injuries meant we had to put him aside for two years but it’s nice to get him to the races finally though he will need the run.”
The nine race card starts at 12.34pm
Footnote : Anyone travelling south to get to Timaru races on Wednesday please be aware that there are roadworks on State Highway 1 at Ealing. There will be Stop/Go traffic management with a 30km/h speed restriction. This may result in extensive delays. Plan your journey accordingly allowing extra time for your travel.