By Mike Love
The final day of the Team Teal campaign gets underway today at the Banks Peninsula and Wingatui meetings.
Team Teal ambassador Gemma Thornley reflects on what has been a successful campaign.
“It’s been really good. Everyone really supports it and it’s been a lot of fun too doing something for a great cause,” said Thornley.
Thornley heads into today with a book of six drives – and though none are stars, they will be sure to give punters a run for their money at good odds.
In Race 1, the DC Installations Mobile Pace over 2000m will see Times Are A Changin ($31.00FF) have start number 95. The Barry Ward-trained mare can pop up occasionally and Thornley is hopeful it may be today.
“You can never underestimate Barry’s runners – especially at Motukarara. It’s a bad draw but they can fly home late.”
Superfast Gorsey ($31.00FF) for trainer Chris Thornley should at least trot all the way for Thornley in Race 5, the Waihora RFC Ttrot over 2170m.
“He will trot all the way. So if we get a good enough trip he will be a top four chance.”
Lay On Macduff ($31.00FF) in Race 6, the Crate & Barrel, Alpine Inn Hanmer, Mark Tweedy Pace will be looking for an economical trip to feature.
“I was stoked with him at his last start. He doesn’t have a very long sprint so hopefully I can kid him a bit up the straight.”
A Girl Named Vinny ($21.00FF) won well two starts back then did not have the smoothest of runs at Ashburton February 22. Thornley is hoping for a more economical trip today.
“We’ll probably go forward and then look for cover. She’s a bit funny, but I think in that field she should be a good place chance.”
Franco Tim ($10.00FF) returns from success at Cromwell three weeks ago to face a much different scenario – back to a stand and coming off the unruly.
“He’s been racing really well. He’s on the unruly which can make it tricky. But he’s racing well enough and he likes the track. I think he shouldn’t be far away.”
Just Ask Paddy ($26.00FF) also faces a stiff task in the final race of the day The Start Crew Thanks Clocktower Motors Mobile Pace over 2000m drawn 14.
“I was really happy with him at Addington. No luck from the draw so I’ll have to follow them round and hopefully he’s hitting the line well.”
Race one gets underway at 12:30pm.
Williamson lines up strong chances at Wingatui
By Jonny Turner
Matthew Williamson knows there are no certainties at what is arguably New Zealand harness racing’s most unique track.
Williamson takes Major Boy to Wingatui on Sunday, where he will take on its famous uphill straight and wide open spaces.
The pacer heads to Dunedin on the back of an excellent debut third at Ascot Park last week.
The three-year-old is a clear cut-favourite following the scratching of rival Prosperity who ran to a front-running victory at Wyndham on Saturday.
While Major Boy is the horse to beat in his maiden assignment at Wingatui, the race is no gimme.
“His first up run was great and being a little bit green he should be a lot better for that run,” Williamson said.
“It was a harder field at Invercargill, he is the horse to beat but it won’t be easy for him.”
“Wingatui can be a tricky track and it is his first time on grass.”
Williamson has his stablemates Haley Robyn and Mack Pack going head-to-head at Wingatui on Sunday.
Haley Robyn looks a strong each way hope for junior driver Georgia Goodman.
“Her last start second at Oamaru was good and even though she’s drawn wide she is one of the better form horses in the race and she looks an each way chance,” Williamson said.
Mack Pack drops back in grade for Williamson, but he has to overcome barrier 13.
“He will probably be driven for one run from the draw, he’s not the worst chance.”
Race one gets underway at 11.55am.