Sisters Kerryn and Sheree Tomlinson both look to have good chances at today’s two grass track meetings at Gore and at Motukarara.
Tomlinson thrilled to drive Homebush Lad in Gore Summer Cup
By Jonny Turner
A week ago Kerryn Tomlinson wouldn’t have guessed she would be linking up with two of the most talented horses stepping out on Gore Summer Cup Day today.
The Oamaru reinswoman has almost been in a game of musical sulkies this week, but she certainly has no complaints about landing the drives behind Homebush Lad and Jimmy Carter.
Homebush Lad will be out to add to his incredible record in grass track features in the Gore Town and Country Club Gore Summer Cup.
The veteran pacer won his second Waikouaiti Cup in his last trip south of the Waitaki River, earlier this month.
“The smaller field will help him and he is usually a pretty good beginner.”
“He loves the grass and the longer distances, so it looks like a pretty suitable race for him even off the back mark.”
“I am thrilled to pick up the drive and I can’t thank the Hopes enough for putting me on.”
“He has won a heap of cup races and hopefully he might be able to get another one.”
Tomlinson is the regular driver of the Brad Williamson trained Domination’s Call, but in the Kim McDowall Painting and Decorating Gore Summer Trotters Cup, she will link up with Jimmy Carter.
The driver knows the Phil Williamson trained trotter doesn’t lack horsepower, but he has been very error-prone lately.
“It made sense for Brad to drive Domination’s Call this week or he would be sitting on the sidelines.”
“Jimmy Carter has all the ability there, but it will be whether he can get away at the start.”
“I have won on him before, but it was a mobile.”
“Fingers crossed he can do things right.”
Magnetic Beckers looks as strong as any of Tomlinson’s drives outside of Sunday’s features.
The pacer only battled in his last start at Winton, but his prior third on grass at Riverton was excellent.
“His last start on grass was great, he got pushed out and held up and then ran on very well wide.”
“He has got a much better draw this time and he looks like a good each way chance.”
Sheree Tomlinson with nice book of drives at Motukarara
By Mike Love
Canterbury reinswoman Sheree Tomlinson will provide punters with a lot of value to follow at today’s Banks Peninsula meeting at Motukarara with strong top three and four chances.
Tomlinson has nine drives across the 11-race programme.
Tomlinson will drive Dance With The Boss ($4.80FF) in Race 1, the NZB Airfreight Mobile Pace over 2000m for trainer Matt Purvis. The five-year-old Bettors Delight gelding was a gallant runner up last time out at the Waikouaiti meeting in Oamaru when driven by Ricky May.
“He’s gone some good races lately. Hopefully he will relax from that draw and if we don’t get too far back he will be a good chance,” said Tomlinson.
Other chances in the event include equal favourite Hi Hopes ($4.80FF) for Tom Bagrie.
Major Linc ($8.50FF) in Race 3, the Seahorse Supplements Mobile Pace over 2000m for trainer Bruce Negus cannot be overlooked as a strong each way chance. The Sky Major gelding has drawn the ace.
“The draw should bring him into it. He will be a good place chance. With his good gate speed, we should get a good run and be thereabouts.”
Other chances in the event include the shortest priced favourite of the day Mariana Trench ($1.75FF) while Imperial Laz ($6.00FF) will have his second outing for new trainer Bob Butt.
Tomlinson will drive four runners for West Melton trainer Amber Lethaby – one of those coming in Race 7, the Chris Jones – Bayleys Real Estate Trot over 2170m with Racey Krusa ($4.60FF).
“I thought he ran on well at Methven last time, so if he brings his manners he will have a good chance with the right run.”
Tomlinson rates Zsazsa Binx ($7.00FF) in Race 10, the Moore Walker Davey Searells Accountants trot over 2170m as a strong chance with luck. The five-year- old Majestic Son mare will need to overcome a second line draw to play a role.
“She’s been going really well lately. She did all the donkey work last time and tried right through the line. It’s not an ideal draw, but if she continues her good form then she’s a good chance.”
Tomlinson’s other drives are;
Race 2 – Star Invasion ($51.00FF)
Race 5 – Gamely ($61.00FF)
Race 8 – Sweet Glory ($11.00FF)
Race 9 – Misty Blue ($4.50FF)
Race 11 – Hope For Love ($26.00FF)
Race 1 gets underway at 12:15pm.
HRNZ representatives will also be on course at Motukarara today to answer all queries about the new Next Gen ownership model.
After yesterday’s highly successful NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales at Karaka more Next Gen yearlings will go under the hammer at Christchurch on Tuesday.
