By Jonny Turner
Rory McIlwrick combined with a couple of quirky characters when winning half the harness racing card at Wingatui on Monday.
McIlwrick bagged a winning treble when scoring with Gentle Mac, Bobbies Rock and Northview Rock on a six-race card at the Forbury Park club’s dual code meeting.
McIlwrick wouldn’t have got to three wins had he not been able to quickly settle Gentle Mac back into a trot after he broke at the start of race 1.
Seen to be something of a handful early in his races, the Adrian Wohlers trained squaregaiter impressed when he put his feet in the right places.
“He is one of those horses – he is a bit of a headcase to be fair – but he managed to put it all together today,” McIlwrick said.
“I was really happy with the way he did his work.”
“He has got enough ability – just getting that starting portion sorted is his main concern.”
“When he gets that all together I am sure he will be very formidable in that next grade.”
McIlwrick credited Kirstin Green for having Bobbies Rock where he needed to be to win race 6.
The pacer went an ordinary race fresh up at Winton but Green’s work with the horses since then clearly paid off when he fought back to score after being headed in the run home.
“He is a bit of a character, he is not the easiest horse to drive but today he really put his head out when he got headed.”
“He fought really strongly, I was really impressed with him, that is real testament to Kirstin.”
“She certainly gets them that they can find that little bit extra when they need it and he certainly did that today.”
Northview Rock impressed in his first start for the Tyler Dewe stable in race 2.
The pacer even had the luxury of losing concentration in the home straight when clear in the lead.
“He was really cruising, he did a bit of work early so he was entitled to waiver a bit late,” McIlwrick said.
“He just knocked off, when he saw the other horses he picked the bit back up.”
“I certainly expect him to improve from that run.”
The victory continued the excellent form of the Dewe and McIlwrick combination.
“Tyler always has the horses on the money, he is very focused on what he is doing.”
“We have had a great association and everything seems to be going great at the moment.”
Dewe has produced 12 wins from just 26 starters during his short training career, with McIlwrick piloting 9 of those winners to victory.
