By Brigette Solomon
Pukekohe based trainer Andre Poutama is hopeful that with a bit of luck, his team of four runners can make their presence felt at Cambridge Raceway tonight.
“We haven’t had any luck with the draws but I think three of the four are capable of a good race” says Poutama.
Potter starts in the Race 3, the Watchu Security Mobile Pace for Junior Drivers, with Nathan Delaney driving. Potter has won twice since coming north to the Poutama stable, including a win at the same track two starts back.
The gelding placed fourth in his most recent start at Alexandra Park on March 8 after leading before being run down in the final stages, finishing 1.3 lengths from the winner Skipper.
“I thought he was capable of winning last start but wasn’t given the ideal run,” says Poutama, “he’s capable of a good race tonight but with the draw of six we will be looking to go back early and drive him for luck,” says Poutama.
In Race 4, the Betavet Herbazole Pace over 2200m, Poutama trains and drives Vinnie Turbo. The four-year-old gelding finished seventh at Alexandra Park on March 8 when having his first start in 12 months.
“He trialled up well but was disappointing when he started at Auckland,” says Poutama, “he hasn’t had the best experiences racing at Auckland in the past, so we’ll see how he goes tonight and potentially take him to Manawatu next week.”
“Both Vinnie Turbo and Hail Lucius have drawn eight so I’ll be going back and driving for luck with both of them.”
Hail Lucius is the pick of Poutama’s runners tonight and starts in Race six, the NZB Airfreight Mobile Pace. The Sportswriter gelding’s most recent races have seen him get back in the field from wide starting draws before running home well.
“The field is a bit of a drop back compared with a few of his other recent races and he actually races better left handed,” says Poutama.
Poutama is also engaged to drive Ultimate Moment – R5, Leo Lincoln – R7, and first starter Lincoln La Moose – R8.
“If Ultimate Moment’s manners hold up he could go ok,” says Poutama “and while Leo Lincoln was disappointing at Auckland last start, the race here will suit him better and he’s capable of picking up a win soon.”
Racing at Cambridge gets underway at 5:29pm this evening.
