By Jonny Turner
Four quality drives await junior reinswoman Kerryn Tomlinson at Wingatui on Monday.
Bookmakers are backing Tomlinson to enjoy a good afternoon at Forbury Park’s dual-code meeting, rating each of her four drives either first or second favourite.
Olive Cook heads Tomlinson’s handy book following her solid fresh up second at Addington last week.
The Peter and Mitchell Robertson trained mare looks to get a royal chance to strike winning form in race 5.
“We were really happy with her at Addington,” Tomlinson said.
“She was fresh up and she should be a little bit fitter this time.”
“And the race on Monday looks a little bit easier, so she should be a good chance.”
Olive Cook opened the $3.10 favourite for race 5 on the back of her second to Immer Besser last Thursday.
Lincoln Moment, to be driven by Tomlinson’s sister Sheree, looks the main threat to Olive Cook.
The Shane Matheson trained pacer struggled in his last start on a wet Oamaru track but should be back on firmer ground on Monday.
Lincoln Moment has been rated the $4.80 second-favourite by bookmakers.
Tomlinson also combines with Sundons Flyer in race 4.
The Bruce Negus trained mare free-falls back in class considering she raced Dark Horse in free-for-all company two starts ago.
If she brings her A-game the eight-year-old should offer plenty.
“She hasn’t been going as well as she can but if she was on her game she would be a good chance,” Tomlinson said.
“She likes grass and she is best driven with a sit so hopefully she can get a nice run somewhere.”
“It’s a long straight at Wingatui so hopefully she is running home over top of them.”
Sundons Flyer opened at $5 odds in fixed odds betting before being backed into $4.60.
Top Pocket Chance was rated the $4 favourite for race 4 on market opening.
Tomlinson combines with the consistent Summars in race 2.
It will not be easy for the Ross Wilson trained mare to take on race winners as a maidener, but her form means she deserves good respect.
“It is never easy being a maiden taking on those horses that have won races,” Tomlinson said.
“But she is very consistent, she looks like she will need the right run and if she gets it she should be a good chance.”
Summars was rated the $5.50 equal second favourite with Whangamata on fixed-odds market opening.
Deborah’s Gem, who trialled well at Oamaru last week, was rated the $5 favourite.
Tomlinson also drives Olive Cook’s stablemate Itz The Con Artist in race 3.
The pacer worked too hard in his first-up effort when seventh at Addington last week.
From barrier 1 the four-year-old should get a much more economical trip on Monday.
“She just got caught a bit wide and had to do too much work at Addington,” Tomlinson said.
“From [barrier] 1 she should get a nice run.”
Itz The Con Artist opened at a $3.40 fixed odds win price, behind the $3.20 favourite for race 3, Arizona Doll.
