By Jonny Turner
A big effort in the Hambletonian Classic looks great form for Master Class to take to Rangiora on Wednesday.
Trainer-driver Kimberly Butt lines the three-year-old up in easier company after his big effort for sixth at Ashburton on Labour Day.
Master Class finished just over three lengths behind Mystic Max in his record-breaking win after being sent to the unruly after getting himself worked up.
“I was rapt with how he went, he obviously got himself stirred up, just going behind the mobile the first time he got a bit keen,” Butt said.
“He ran into it and galloped and got himself quite worked up.”
“To do what he did after that was pretty impressive.”
Master Class moves back to the standing start racing on Wednesday.
Butt is hopeful her trotter can handle the sometimes tricky barrier 1 draw.
“I am not too worried about it, he generally is pretty sensible.”
“I have taken the blinds off him to try to chill him out.”
“He had a wee let-up immediately after the Hambletonian and it all seems like it shouldn’t worry him too much.”
“He is usually pretty safe and pretty good away from the stand.”
Butt is hopeful Master Class can be a strong winning threat at Rangiora, but she has good respect for her horse’s opposition.
“I think T K Megastar is a nice three-year-old as well, but he hasn’t been seen for a wee bit.”
“Obviously Lil Miss Muscles has been racing consistently of late, too.”
“It is definitely not a turn up and win job, but I would like to think he would be a pretty good chance.”
Butt also drives All Too Well in race 3 on Wednesday.
The pacer trained by the reinswoman’s brother Chris looks an outside chance as she starts from the unruly.
“She is a bit of a tough nut to crack.”
“Out of nowhere she started not scoring up and got put on the unruly.”
“Last week she got across really well when there was the only one on the second line.”
“On Wednesday there are about four inside her so that will make it harder for her.”
Butt will also drive at both Timaru and Motukarara amid a busy week of harness racing.
