Watch Me Now’s flight delayed
Top mare Watch Me Now has been transferred to Steve Dolan’s Christchurch stable, but it’s not known for how long. The southerner defeated Amazing Dream in winning the Breeders Stakes at Addington for co-trainer and driver Kirstin Barclay in what was expected to be her final appearance in New Zealand, after being sold to North American interests. But because of delays in securing a flight Watch Me Now will remain in Dolan’s care in the meantime and she may even race here again here, depending on what flights can be arranged.
Jack Trainor shines in Sydney
Young Kiwi horseman Jack Trainor finished a career-changing Carnival of Miracles in style.
Trainor’s recent stable addition, Mighty Flying Deal, brilliantly won the last race of the four-night Carnival. Stylish Memphis gave him so many highs, including his first Group 1 win in the Ladyship Mile. On the same night he won another Group 1 on Anntonia in the NSW Oaks. “It’s just been the most awesome few weeks,” he said. “I had to beg Mark Jones to send that mare across for the Ladyship and then she raced five weeks in a row for about $1.5 million stakemoney. It’s been a chance to get my name up in lights and she’s done so much for me.”
Babies flying at Menangle
It is remarkable how fast the babies go these days. A perfect example was the $50,000 Group 1 Sapling Stakes at Menangle on Saturday night where Mister Rea blazed a 1min52.3sec mile to win at just his second race start. The son of Pet Rock went much quicker opening splits that King Of Swing in the Miracle Mile. Mister Rea’s first quarter was 26.3 and half 54 flat, compared to King Of Swing’s 26.6 and 55.2sec.
Teal Pants into final days
Going into the final days of this year’s Teal Pants campaign the total currently stands at $21,480 (as of March 8). That’s just from female driving wins with Sam Ottley the most successful driver, with 15 wins. The Campaign started on February 1 and goes through to March 14. For every win by a female driver (and her Teal pants) money is donated from Harness Racing New Zealand, Woodlands Stud and a number of other clubs and individuals. All proceeds will go towards ovarian cancer research.
$10,000 First 4s
The final Teal Pants meeting will be at Reefton on Sunday and the TAB has confirmed both that and Friday’s meeting at Westport will feature a guaranteed $10,000 First Four on all races.