By Mike Love
Ashburton trainer Ben Waldron takes a good sized team to the grass at Methven today, with his best chance being Penny Weight ($8.00FF) in Race 6, the Katie Cox Memorial (Fillies and Mares) Mobile Pace.
The five-year-old Prodigal Seelster mare will be looking to go back-to-back after an emphatic victory at Ashburton a week ago.
“That’s why we’ve persevered with her. We’ve always thought she could win a few but for one reason or another she hasn’t really fired a shot, but she showed what she’s capable of with her win last week. She’s actually quite a nice horse,” said Waldron.
“I think if she backs up she’s a horse that I think can go on with it.”
Craig Thornley will reunite with the mare.
Walsron will take six in all to Mt Harding, and his chances before Penny Weight include two maidens – Destiny’s Dream ($6.00FF) in Race 1, the Mount Hutt Workouts Mobile Pace and Franco Chaplin ($4.20FF) in Race 3, the Ashburton MSA Racing Section pace, with both runners to be driven by John Morrison.
“Destiny’s Dream has had a few goes but has been better lately. Has a good draw and should be a first four chance.”
Waldron does however heed a warning to punters around the debutant Franco Chaplin.
“He is a work in progress. Probably has more gear on him than a space shuttle, but we’ll get there. He’s got a big engine. But I’d warn punters to not go nuts on him just yet – he has a lot to learn.”
At the backend of the meeting Waldron lines up Franco Humbie ($7.50FF) in Race 10,the Rainer Irrigation Handicap Pace and the popular Georgie Zukov ($5.00FF) in Race 12, the Matt Smith Construction Mobile Pace, both with John Morrison their pilot.
“His (Franco Humbie) trials have been really good but it is his first time from a stand under race day conditions. I don’t think the field is beyond him, so if he does things right he won’t be far away.”
“Georgie Zukov is the same – he has trialled well against some good opposition. He seems as ready as he can be but he can take a bit of racing to reach his best – but he is pretty ready to go.”
Waldron also lines up trotter Moa Mojito ($41.00FF) in Race 5, the Ashburton Powdercoating and Sandblasting Trot with Craig Thornley to drive.
“Her form doesn’t read that well but I thought she was a lot better last week. She wasn’t that far away and punched the wind first up. But I am happy with her.”
Today’s meeting also carries a poignant significance as it is dedicated to the memory of Katie Cox, who passed away earlier this year. The event serves as a tribute to Cox’s contributions and enduring legacy within the racing community.
Racing commences from 11:44am.
