Cambridge-based junior driver Zev Meredith’s heading south to the Manawatu confident he can add to his winning tally this season.
Meredith’s enjoying his best ever season with 17 wins so far and he’s also secured a spot, along with Sarah O’Reilly and Crystal Hackett, to represent New Zealand at the Australasian Young Drivers’ Championship in Queensland next month.
Today he has six drives on the seven race programme, headlined by Bad Medicine and Pacing Hope.
“It’s a nice book of drives and I’d be disappointed if I didn’t get a win or two,” he says.
Bad Medicine will front up in Race 4, the Mad Butcher Wairarapa Cup Mobile Pace for Meredith’s employer Arna Donnelly.
He’s placed in three of four runs at Manawatu.
“He’s a funny horse who’s laid back , maybe too laid back at times, but it’s a small field and if he’s on the job he’s a big chance.”
Run Mason Run, after a last start second, looks one of his main dangers.
Meredith will drive three horses for Donnelly, with Carolina Moon in Race 3, the Post Office Hotel Pahiatua Mobile Pace, and then Pacing Hope in Race 5, the Osborne Group Chartered Accounts Mobile pace.
“She’s a trier,” says Meredith, “she’s no star but she has won eight races.”
“It looks a competitive field and if the pace is on she just keeps trucking.”
No Mercy and last start winner Lady La Salle also look to be key runners.
In Race 6, the Pete’s Joinery and Building Greytown Mobile Pace, Meredith will drive That Maj Ya Look, a first starter from Scott Dickson’s Hunterville barn. She qualified by herself earlier this month.
“She looks to have ability and speed so I’m quite excited to drive her,” says Meredith.
Ticking Over is another Dickson runner he’ll drive in race 7, the Connie Stewart Sotheby’s International Realty Mobile pace.
Meredith will also drive Kiss My Pixel for trainer Geoff Martin in Race 2, the Masterton Club Handicap Trot.
The Manawatu mini meeting starts at 3.45pm.
