Bilateral Syndicate Rolls On (Sunday 29th May 2011)

By Bruce Stewart

The Bilateral Syndicate are on a roll. Three horses they've raced this season out of the Clark Barron stable have now won four races.

 

The scorecard this season reads: Verasprideandglory (2 win), Keep Safe (1) and now Fagan which won the Advance Agriculture 3 year old Mobile Pace at Winton today.

 

The syndicate is named after the group's first horse Bilateral (Wilcos Kosby - Sceptic). Raced on lease from the Grice brothers of Ashburton her two older brothers Just An Icon (1-52.8 USA) and Extender (1-49.2 USA) were good performers in America but Bilateral wasn't good enough to qualify.

 

The syndicate is made up of Brian Beardsley, Peter Hair, Pauline Flanders, Jill Slaughter, Allan Mitchell, George Amos, Maurice Skeggs, Graham Bell and Brian Hewitt. Four of the group were either in the New Zealand Police or worked as non sworn members at the Invercargill Police station.

 
Clark Barron, Fagan and the Bilateral Syndicate - Picture Megan Graham

 

The syndicate have had a number of other handy horses including Holmespero and Dangifidont over their six or seven seasons of racing.

They also raced a half brother to Bilateral; Cynical View which won one race before been sold to Australia where he won another eight, and recorded a 1-56.8 mile time.

 

Fagan was bred by Charlie Roberts and was bought at the 2009 Australasian Classic Yearling Sales by Steve Thompson. He was placed with Ken Barron, but was then leased out to the syndicate.

"They tried him and said h'd make a late three or four year old so that's how we got him." said Barron.

 

Fagan qualified at Wyndham at the end of April but Barron says getting him to that point has been hard. "To be honest he's hard work. He's a real dumbo and doesn't really know what he's there for but he's got a motor so you can put up with that. He's a good stayer and I thought we'd have a couple of runs this year to teach him what to do. He'll be a nice horse next year."

 

The three year old is out of the In The Pocket mare La Filou which won one race. Her dam is the former New Zealand mile record holder Scuse Me which won eight races including the Great Northern Oaks and the Noel Taylor mile in 1-53.5.
 

 

 

Graeme's Terrorway (Sunday 29th May 2011)

By Bruce Stewart

 

Three impressive wins have now been chalked up by Terrorway.

 

Trained at Westwood Beach by Graeme Anderson and Amber Hoffman., he's owned by Anderson, his wife Wendy Muldrew and neighbour Brian Sceats.

 

Purchased at the 2008 Premier Yearling Sales in Christchurch for $26,000. By Western Terror, out of Rejoicing Anderson liked his pedigree.

 "I liked his dam when I saw the catologue. She was a very good mare. I remember one night she sat three wide and still ran fourth. I also had one from the same family called Hezallclass which had a lot of ability,"

 

Anderson said the gelding broke in nicely but the stable was always going to have to wait on him. "He was always good gaited but being a big horse we had to wait on him to develop a brain."

 

Terrorway qualified at Forbury Park in December last year, running second to stablemate Burgundy Sue.

 

Anderson and training partner Amber Hoffman would have preferred to have given the gelding a few more trials but there weren't many opportunities so they decided to take the freshman pacer on a trip to Central Otago.

"For a period of time there were no trials in Otago so we took him to Cromwell for his first start. It was a learning curve for him. He was always the best horse in the race but it was whether he was ready with the ringcraft. As it turned out he was and the only surprise was he paid seven dollars to win."

 

Twelve days later he won at the Young Quinn Raceway at Wyndham beating Deal On The Day. After which he was turned out for a spell.

"He's grown another hand and filled right out so it was the best thing we ever did for him."

 

His win today was his third and on each ocassion he's been driven by Dexter Dunn whom Anderson says has a high opinion of the horse.

"He likes him a lot and said he's got absolute high speed. He couldn't believe he ran a half in 55 today and said he went past them and switched on. He's quite an exciting horse really."

 

Wendy Muldrew with children, Trackside's Tom Wood, Dexter Dunn, Terrorway, Graeme Anderson and Brian Sceats - Picture Megan Graham

 

When asked to assess Terraway's present abilities in comparison to his future potential, Anderson rated him at six and a half out of ten.

"I think he can go all the way provided I don't sell him. There's been a lot of interest in him this week but we couldn't do anything until he raced today so I guess it'll be all go (on the selling front) this week. There's a couple of stables in Melbourne interested in him and an agent tells me that Fitzpatricks are on the look out for a good horse."

 

If not sold Anderson said the four year old will have a couple of starts on his home track at Forbury in the next month.

 

Knight's Delight (Sunday 29th May 2011)

By Bruce Stewart

 

One of the most unlucky horses this season, Pembrook's Delight, scored her second win of the season at Winton today when she beat VC Windermere by three and three quarter lengths.

 

Driven by Matty Williamson, the Bettor's Delight filly was given the perfect trip in the one one.

"She felt strong all the way especially when I pulled her out. It was just a matter of not going too soon but it didn't matter anyway because she ran hard right to the line. She's run a lot of good races without a lot of luck so it was good to get a freeby (penalty free win) today," said Williamson.

 

Trained by Geoff and Jude Knight at Roxburgh, the win in the Southland Standardbred Breeders Association Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace was a nice reward for the couple after a run of bad luck.

"She deserved that win today because she's never gone a bad race in her life. She's never had a trip like she got today. She is tough though, and one day she sat parked at Gore and just got beaten. She's got high speed - that's her forte," said Geoff Knight.

 

The filly has now won two races and nearly fourteen thousand dollars for owners Bill and Pauline Bain of Roxburgh and Jude Campbell of Alexandra.

"A lot of the credit has to go to Nathan Williamson. He did all her early education when she was really a ratbag. The way it worked out was that Nathan ended up driving for Tony Barron and Tom Kilkelly which left an opening for Matty to drive her. Nathan deserves a lot of the credit."

Nathan Willaimson drove Pembrook's Delight for her first ten starts while brother Matty has driven the last six starts. Although she wore spreaders today Knight said they'll be taken off next season.

"You'll probably find she won't wear them next year. She's just got better and better. It's just a precautionary thing at this stage. I just don't want to change anything at this stage."

 

 

Tom Wood Trackside presenter talking to Matty Williamson while Geoff Knight holds Pembrook's Delight for owners Jude Campbell and Pauline and Bill Bain.

 

It's been a busy season for the horse and Knight said it's likely she'll be turned out.

"I'll talk to the owners but that was her free win so it'd be nice if she went out now. She's had sixteen starts which is a nice number for a three year old. If she went out now and came back around November we'd target those junior driver races."

 

 

Jumpforjoy Not In Oaks (Tuesday 17th May 2011)

By Bruce Stewart

 

Unfortunately Southland won’t have a representative in this year’s Group One New Zealand Oaks.

 

Southland Oaks winner Jumpforjoy is not running in Friday night's feature after finishing eighth behind Carabella in last Friday’s Nevele R Stud Fillies Final.

 

Owner/Trainer Clark Barron says the Harness Jewels will now be the fillies main end of season target.
“She wasn’t good enough on the day. I thought that if she ran in the first four or five I’d be happy. They went a New Zealand record and they aren’t going to go any slower in the Oaks. I was happy with the way she pulled up and the Jewels will be her last run for the season. She’s done a great job coming back from a bone chip operation,” said trainer Barron.

Friday’s Nevele R Final was run in a sensational 1-55.2 mile rate, easily a New Zealand record.

 

Barron wasn’t committing to any set plan today, preferring to wait for the filly to return home and then looking at options leading into the Harness Jewels.

 

Jumpforjoys record this season is nine starts for five wins and $52,972.

 

 

 

Jumpforjoy winning her Nevele R Fillies Heat - Envious Photography

 

 

 

 

Ardghal Returns To Winning Form (Sunday 1st May 2011)

 

By Bruce Stewart

 

Ardghal once again underlined his potential when winning the Foveaux Communications Ltd Two Year Old Pace at Ascot Park yesterday.

 

After leading from the 1700 metres, driver Nathan Williamson eased the speed before cutting away by two lengths at the top of the straight. The colt won easily by two lengths over a brave Monaghan.

"He likes to be in front and bowling along. He tends to overrace and do things wrong when he's in behind," said co-trainer Katrina Price.

 

The McArdle colt isn't long back from an unsuccessful stint with David and Catherine Butt at Woodend. He had just the one start for the stable in a Sires Stakes heat at Rangiora finishing eleventh.

"He just had one of those trips so we thought he might as well come home. We were just going to see how he went today and if he didn't go any good we were going to geld him and throw him out into the paddock."

 

After the win some thought will now be given to starting him in the end of season Harness Jewels.

"He's right on the verge of qualifying so his win today will bump him up. There's one more Sires Stakes heat but I'm not sure whether we'd go back up for that. We'll just sit down and look at things really."

 

Price says Ardghal could be the best juvenile produced by the stable.

"He probably is. Looksaflyer raced as a two year old but he was a big overgrown horse whereus this fella's built like a two year old. He's probably the most natural."

 

Ardghal hits the line easily for Nathan Williamson - Envious Photography.

  

Shortys Treasure Clears Maidens (Sunday 22nd May 2011)

By Bruce Stewart

 

One of the most consistent maideners Shortys Treasure finally broke through for her first win at Ascot Park yesterday.

"She's a horse that makes her own luck. She's good from the mobile and the stand so she's pretty adaptable. She got the run behind the leader and we just had to sit and wait," said trainer driver Allan Beck.

 

From nine starts the well bred Falcon Seelster filly, owned by Graham and Moria Bell has only missed giving her connections a cheque twice.

"She was placed third behind a couple of nice fillies at Roxburgh (Collecting and Jenna's Highview) so it was just a matter of time before she got one. She's only a wee thing - pretty petite and has just got stronger as she's gone along."

 

Shortys Treasure after the win with Graham and Moira Bell and trainer Allan Beck - James Jubb.

 

The three year old filly's dam, Shortys Girl won eleven races for the Bells and Beck including back to back wins in the 2002 and 2003 New Zealand Breeders Stakes. As a broodmare her first three foals have qualified with Shortys Chance and Shortys Treasure both winning races.

 

Meanwhile two of Beck's better racehorses have changed stables. Em Ef Cee is now with Tony Herlihy while Stirling Point has joined the Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan stable. Both horses are owned by Ben Calder.

"Ben's had horses at Tony's and Barry's before and he want to send them up north and chase the better money with them."

 

 

 

Hail To Smaill (Sunday 22nd May 2011)

 

By Bruce Stewart

 

 

Hobby trainer Charlie Smaill chalked up his first win when Jaccka Justy, which he also bred and owns, won the Woodlands Motors Ltd Special Handicap Trot at Ascot Park yesterday.

 

Smaill has been one of the provinces biggest breeders but tended to send his horses to other trainers - the likes of Murray and Brett Gray, Wayne Adams and Murray Brown. In the five seasons Smaill has trained horses he has only taken ten to the races.

 

Jaccka Justy was initially trained by Kirk Larsen who took him to seven trials without qualifying. He was later transferred to Invercargill trainer Nathan Williamson who qualified him in November then winning with him at his first start at Ascot Park the following month. He then ran thirteenth at his next start at Winton and was transferred to his owner.

"I think Nathan got busy doing other horses so he went to Charlies who just pottered around with him for four months. He's taken his time with him and he's still pretty big so that run today would improve him. He's felt more relaxed this time in and he didn't feel like doing anything wrong at all." said driver Jonny Cox after the win.

 

Cox took Jaccka Justy to an early lead before El Alamein took over with 1500 metres to run. Once in the straight Cox drove the gelding up the passing lane to win easily from Superstarourwishes. El Alamein would have got some money but broke at the 175 metre mark.

"I've only driven him in two workouts and he never warms up that well. But once the tapes go he's a different horse," said Cox.

 

Smaill says that at some stage Jaccka Justy is likely to return to the Williamson stable.

"I've taken him to a couple of workouts and he's relaxed. I think he's just grown up." he said.

 

Jaccka Justy with Jonny Cox, Charlie Smaill and family - James Jubb.

 

The dam of Jaccka Justy, Janine Jaccka has done a wonderful job at stud. The giant Sundon mare's first three foals all by Continentalman have qualified. Her oldest son, Jaccka Jack has won eleven while Jaccka Justy has now won twice from three starts. Her third foal Jess Jaccka trained by Murray Gray has been placed once in four starts.

"Jack's (Jaccka Jack) a big tall horse while this fella (Jaccka Justy) is more solid but they both have high speed which is a good thing to have," said Cox.

 

The mare's next foal is a filly out of Majestic Son.

 

 

 

The Money Or The Horse? (Sunday 1st May 2011)

 
By Bruce Stewart

 

Picture this. The Carville's of Ohoka sitting down one night for a game of It's In The Bag - the popular 80's game show that offers contestants money or the contents of a bag.

 

Katy Carville was of course playing "Selwyn" so she knew what was in bag three. Despite steadily increasing the dollars and asking Ohoka what her children Libby and Adam should do and the money reaching $5,000. the kids stuck with the bag.

"That was enough money to pay off Libby's credit card," said Katy.

 

Inside bag three was the name of a racehorse - Ohoka Texas, a horse Katy knew had shown ability as a youngster.

 

So that's how Katy and her two children got to race Ohoka Texas. The Christian Cullen colt has not only won six races from just eleven starts but now has the Group Three Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes on his CV.A great start for two first time owners.

 

In his first drive back from injury co-trainer and driver David Butt rolled Ohoka Texas forward with 2000 metres to run.

"He goes best in front. He hasn't got a whole lot of quick speed so if he can roll along and run a quick half that's suits him."

 

The 2700 metre was cut out in 3-26.4 with the last 800 metres run in a slick 55.9. Stablemate Malak Uswaad got closest a length away with Poacher a further two lenghts back.

 

After the win David Butt felt that a spelt was probably the best option for Ohoka Texas.

"I'll have a yarn to Katy, Libby and Adam and see what they think. I'll probably look at putting him out as I don't think a mile (Jewels) will really suit him. Putting him in the paddock might make him a bettor horse for next year."

 

Millwood Touche, the dam of Ohoka Texas won nine race for Katy and her late husband Dave when trained by Tony Herlihy.

 

The Ohoka brand is also becoming more prevalent in Australia with Ohoka's Bondy flying the flag. He won his first thirteen races in Australia before finishing sixth in the West Australian Derby at Gloucester Park. Ohoka Sniper, a Falcon Seelster gelding has won two races for Lance Justice.

 

Malak Uswaad is likely to head to the Harness Jewels at Ashburton.

 

One of the unlucky stories to come out of the Supremacy was from the Dean Taylor runner River Black.

 

His outside tyre was completely peeled off early in the race after he struck wheels with the Kirk Larsen trained Xtreme Luck. Larsen was later fined $400 for the incident.

 

 

 

 

Ohoka Texas beats stablemate Malak Uswaad - Envious Photography.

 

 

 

 

Southland Jumps For Joy (Sunday 1st May 2011)

 

By Bruce Stewart

 

 

 

You can't beat a hometown win and Jumpforjoy's win in the Macca Lodge/Nevele R Southland Oaks Final at Ascot Park on Saturday was special.

 

Unbeaten in the province for the early part of the season, trainer Clark Barron headed north to Auckland last month to tackle the best three year old fillies.

 

After finishing second to Bettor Cover Lover in the Northern Oaks Prelude, Jumpforjoy was clearly below her best when running twelveth in the Oaks behind Carabella.

 

At that point she came home and had three bone chips removed from her hock and two weeks off to recover. So yesterdays win highlighted an excellent training feat by Barron - he thinks his most satisfying to date.

"Without a doubt. It's been a pretty tight time frame to get her here and it's worked out. There's a lot of people to thank particularly Brendon Bell (Vet) for the operation and post op," he said.

 

From the second line draw Barron briefly had Jumpforjoy in the one one. He then moved her out but was forced four wide to get to the lead at the 1400 metres.

"She was a bit fresh in the middle stage and wanted to run a bit but she held them off at the end which is all you can ask."

 

The plan now for Jumpforjoy is the Nevele R Fillies Final, New Zealand Oaks and Harness Jewels.

 

The filly is jointly owned by Barron and Alex McDonald who made a rare appearance at the racetrack to see Jumpforjoy win the Oaks.

 

He has only been on-course three times out of her eleven starts - at her first win as a two year old, her win in the Nevele R Fillies heat and for today's Group Three feature.

"I enjoy my own space and don't like the limelight. It's Clarks time now, I've had my shot," he said.

 

McDonald has spent the last twenty year owning and training pacers after having unsuccessfully tried gallopers.

 

His first venture into the harness racing game came in the 1988/1989 season when he bought a Majestic Chance maiden gelding named Flying Majesty for $200 at the Pyramid Stud dispersal sale.

 

The six year old had had thirteen unplaced starts for trainer Phil Cross.

 

Thinking he could do better, Alex McDonald took out a training license and took the gelding to Forbury Park on Wednesday 25th February 1989.

 

Driven by Ross Payne Flying Majesty duly won beating Century Maker (incidentally driven by Clark Barron) paying $58.25 to win and $17.60. for a place.

 

That was the start of the standardbred path for McDonald. In the early 90's he purchased People's Blue Chip mare Lento. She was a great granddaughter of Witchlight the dam of smart juvenile Trident which won fourteen races .

"She cost a $1,000. and I only had $500. so Lorraine Coutts said I'll give you the other $500. so we took half shares. I was not breeding expert and all I know was the Witchlight was half crazy and all the fillies out of that breed were a bit stroopy. Getting her was pure luck."

 

McDonald trained the filly for her first seven starts winning races at Waimate and Winton.

"I was working at Fortex (Meat Plant) so I send her and Rockne Dell down to Henry Skinner. He won the Southland Oaks with Lento. She then ran third in the Great Northern Oaks but got relegated and then finished third in the New Zealand Oaks."

 

McDonald then took her back to train and she won first up as a four year old at Waikouaiti in October 1993. It was the first time Clark Barron was to drive her and the partnership had began.

 

Barron when on to win seven races on Lento before McDonald ventured to Australia to chase some of the big races.

"I buggered her up there. She had four starts in Melbourne running second in the All Stars Free For All beaten by Ginger Man. She then ran fourth in the Victoria Cup and then won the Queen of the Pacific. Then I did something I shouldn't have done. I was never going to race her in the AG Hunter Cup (3280 metres) but I did and it was mismanagement on my part."

 

Lento finished last in the $325,000 feature which was won by the Barry Purdon trained Vics Vance from Desperate Comment and Master Musician.

 

At careers end Lento won races fifteen races and $272,110.

 

As a broodmare she met with a spectacular start. Her first foal was Kinsman which won seven races for Steven Reid while her next foal Whanau won ten for McDonald and trainer Henry Skinner. Lento was later sold to Cavella bloodstock.

 

Apart from a fabulous innings with Lento, McDonald enjoyed success with a number of other horses including Cashnglory (4 wins) Rockne Dell (4 wins) and Rockne Dell's daughter, Joyfulbelle which won eight races.

 

Yesterday's Oaks winner Jumpforjoy is Joyfulbelle's third foal. Her first foal Joyfuljoy was sold to Ian Dobson after having two starts as a two year old for McDonald and Barron. She went on to win eleven races including the Three Year Old Diamond at the Harness Jewels.

 

After enduring the pressures of selling Joyfuljoy, McDonald and Barron decided fairly early on not to sell Jumpforjoy relieving any thought of negoiation.

"That was no problem because she wasn't for sale. It would scare you about how much we've turned down and Barron would kill me if I told you so I'm not saying a word."

 

 

Jumpforjoy hangs on to beat Kristina in the Southland Oaks - Envious Photography.

 

 

 

Dream Out Loud (Sunday 1st May 2011)

 
By Bruce Stewart

 

He started as a $1.90 favourite and most were unaware that Dream Out Loud got a vet check before she started in yesterday's 89.2 More FM Mobile Pace.

 

The Bettor's Delight three year trained by Steve Dolan had a mild skin infection on one of her front legs right on the hopple line.

"He was vet checked before the race and the vet gave me the all clear to start him. Dexter (Dunn) said he was clearly below par today and didn't warm up particularly well but at the end of the day his class came through," said Dolan.

 

Dream Out Loud is owned by Stu Dyer, his finacee Vanessa Jamieson, Judy Stack (Dolan's mother in law), Wayne Milligan, "Chinny" Chin and Neil Struthers and his wife Robyn. He was bought at the 2009 Sale for the Stars for $17,000.

"He didn't display a lot for a long time so we've been very patient. He showed us at home he had three gears but when we went to the trials and workouts he had a few extra and he's been unbeaten to date."

 

Dolan says the three year old will now have a six week break and probably won't be sited for the rest of the season.

"If he takes the next step we may have a go at the Super Stars."

 

Dream Out Loud is out of the In The Pocket mare Nothin But A Dreamer which is a half sister to thwe well performed Defoe.

"He's a simple horse to train and he wants to be a racehorse."

 

Dream Out Loud was one of six winning drives yesterday for leading New Zealand reinsman Dexter Dunn. His other wins were on Maori Invasion, Pattisun, JB MacGuire, Flying Diamonds and Anvils Top Gun.

 

Meanwhile Dolan's stable star Franco Jamar is back in Canterbury recovering from the riggers of a tough Interdominion campaign.

"He came back from Auckland a bit flat physically and mentally so we've tipped him out. He's just got a bit of growing up to do. We'll look to give him a couple of starts towards the end of the season and then head over to Aussie for the Breeders Crown."

 

Easy as for Dream Out Loud - Envious Photography.

 

 

 

 

Number 10   Princess Delight 3 yr old filly Bettor's Delight - Nuclear Princess

Princess Delight and Carl Hanna at Winton

Trainer: Alan Paisley Owners: Mrs JW Carter, Mrs JM Carter and JJ Crengle. Current formline: 433223022140 Barrier draw: Second Line 3 Driver: Carl Hanna Comment: Has been ultra consistant but only the winner of one race. One of six by stallion Bettor's Delight which looks set to dominate this race in the future.

 

Number 11   Jumpforjoy 3 yr old filly Bettor's Delight - Joyfulbelle

Jumpforjoy and Clark Barron at Winton

Trainer: Clark Barron Owners: CJ Barron and AR McDonald. Current formline: 2111120 Barrier draw: Second Line 4 Driver: Clark Barron Comment: Hasn't raced since early March when she was below her best. Ran second at the Invercargill workouts last weekend. Will go forward to make this a staying test and can win. Clark Barron drove the winner of the 2006 Oaks Final - Zitura.

 

Number 12   Eleanor Roosevelt 3 yr old filly Falcon Seelster - Philetous

Eleanor Roosevelt winning at Winton for Robbie Holmes.

Trainer: Robbie Holmes Owners: MD Pierson, Mrs MW Pierson and Mrs JR Pierson. Current formline: 1305734113 Barrier draw: Second Line 5 Driver: Shane Walkinshaw Comment: This filly is in fine form and could get a nice tow into the race. Place chance.

 

Number 14 Pembrook's Delight 3 yr old filly Bettor's Delight - Diamond Bright

Nathan Williamson and Pembrook's Delight warming up at Invercargill.

Trainer: Geoff and Jude Knight Owners: WE Bain, Mrs PM Bain and Mrs JM Campbell. Current formline: 194523956662 Barrier draw: Second Line 7 Driver: Matthew Williamson Comment: Hasn't had too much luck recently but like all the stock of Bettor's Delight she will be suited by a quickly run race.

 

Number 8   Ashira Bromac 3 yr old filly Falcon Seelster - Abba Bromac

Andrew Armour and Ashira Bromac

Trainer: Tom Kilkelly Owners: T Kilkelly, Mrs JF Kilkelly, Mrs RK McCallum and CR McCallum. Current formline: 6216907426 Barrier draw: Second Line 1 Driver: Nathan Williamson Comment: Appears outclassed and from the draw is expected to get locked away on the rails.

 

Number 7   Franco Ledger 3 yr old colt Falcon Seelster - Lets Scoot Franco

Hamish Hunter and Franco Ledger

Trainer: Hamish Hunter Owners: What Ever Syndicate and AFH Hunter. Current formline: 111D1231110 Barrier draw: Front Line 7 (outside) Driver: Peter Hunter Comment: Was below par at Addington. trainer is happy with his progress since. Don't worry about the draw as he can bounce back and win. Hamish Hunter has won the 1985 Southern Supremacy Stakes with Malaz.

 

Number 6   Phantom Grin 3 yr old gelding Grinfromeartoear - Phantom Mentace

Brian Norman drives Phantom Grin to win at Winton.

Trainer: Matt Brinsdon Owners: Mrs DA Brinsdon and MS Brinsdon. Current formline: 722212231152 Barrier draw: Front Line 6 Driver: Brian Norman Comment: Tough as teak. Will go forward and be suited to the 2700 metre journey. This horse will go through the grades if not sold. Will run in the first four.

 

Number 2   Poacher 3 yr old gelding Bettor's Delight - The Holmes Legend

Brendon McLellan and Poacher.

Trainer: Des Baynes Owners: The Test Syndicate. Current formline: 029173160179732 Barrier draw: Front Line 2 Driver: Brendon McLellan Comment: Is well seasoned for this but doesn't have the greatest formline at Ascot Park. Trainer, Des Baynes trained Open All Hours to win the 1989 Supremacy.

 

Number 1   Malak Uswaad 3 yr old colt Bettor's Delight - Sirius Flight

David Butt and the showy Malak Uswaad.

Trainer: David and Catherine Butt Owners: Gaby Maghzal and Julie Maghzal. Current formline: 1211110 Barrier draw: Front Line 1 Driver: Ricky May Comment: Drawn to lead. Ricky May drives and one of the best Canterbury hopes.

 

Number 8   Ohoka Texas 3 yr old colt Christian Cullen - Millwood Touche

Ohoka Texas warms up at Invercargill with David Butt.

Trainer: David and Catherine Butt Owners: Mrs K Carville, A Carville and Miss O Carville. Current formline: 121114769 Barrier draw: Second Line 1 Driver: David Butt Comment: Runs from the second line and behind his stablemate. Formline has gone off a bit but capable of getting a cheque especially with David Butt back in the cart.

 

Number 5   Xtreme Luck 3 yr old gelding Christian Cullen - Lassiter Franco

Kirk Larsen and Xtreme Luck winning at Wyndham.

Trainer: Kirk Larsen Owners: ME Fowle Current formline: X01144900 Barrier draw: Front Line 5 Driver: Kirk Larsen Comment: Hasn't been great recently so will need luck. Larsen trained and drove the winner of the 2003 Supremacy Stakes Final, Howard Bromac.

 

Number 4   River Black 3 yr old colt Courage Under Fire - Stella Franco

Mark Jones gets River Black up at Wyndham.

Trainer: Dean Taylor Owners: RK Bennett and FC Bennett. Current formline: 1311148 Barrier draw: Front Line 4 Driver: Mark Jones Comment: Ran on okey in the Derby. Good draw and great big race driver. Should be running on and can win.

 

 

Number 4   Motu Racy Girl 3 yr old filly In The Pocket - Motu Racy Lady

Motu Racy Girl wins easily for Robbie Holmes.

Trainer: Robbie Holmes Owners: Motu Lodge Stud Limited Current formline: 20149X208 Barrier draw: Front Line 4 Driver: Robbie Holmes Comment: Formline is a bit in and out but draw will help. Holmes trained and drove the winner of the 2008 edition Kiwi Ingenuity which holds the race record of 2-41.5 for the 2200 metre mobile. Since theb Oaks final has moved permanently to Ascot Park saddle cloth 4 has won the most finals with 3.

 

Number 6   Rathmore Lady 3 yr old filly Christian Cullen - Behappysam

Winning at Gore Rathmore Lady and Robbie Holmes.

Trainer: Robbie Holmes Owners: JD McKenzie Current formline: 89518210 Barrier draw: Front Line 6 Driver: Ricky May Comment: Formline has been good. Looks the best from the Robbie Holmes barn but will need some luck from the draw. Driver Ricky May has driven three Oaks winners; Mainland Banner (2005), Impact (1995) and Flash Tactics (2000).

 

Number 5   Rockabella 3 yr old filly Art Major - Calypso Beach

Rockabella and Mark Jones go down to the wire at Invercargill.

Trainer: Mark Jones Owners: GW Brodie Current formline: 4132 Barrier draw: Front Line 5 Driver: Mark Jones Comment: Big ticket purchase and form has been very good. A win wouldn't surprise. Rated highly.

 

Number 1 Holly Patron 3 yr old filly Bettor's Delight - Shania Patron

Holly Patron and Brendon McLellan.

Trainer: Brendon McLellan Owners: Mrs IB Holland, JJ Holland, BD McLellan and Mrs MJ McLellan Current formline: 7526F00500410832 Barrier draw: Front Line 1 Driver: Brendon McLellan Comment: Has raced more than most and form is now solid but looks outclassed.

 

Number 7 Fly The Flag     3 yr old filly Falcon Seelster - Jubilee Franco

Fly The Flag with driver Peter Davis.

Trainer: Margo Nyhan Owners: Miss MA Nyhan, Kirwen Holdings Ltd and Dr TB Taylor Current formline: X46118026145144442 Barrier draw: Front Line 7 (outside) Driver: Peter Davis Comment: Is the most 'winning' horse in this race. Form is good but will need some luck.

 

Number 13   The Receptionist   3 yr old filly Live Or Die - Candle In The Wind

Andrew Armour driver of The Receptionist

Trainer: Murray Brown Owners: BL McVicar and DJ Orr Current formline: 14P75527 Barrier draw: Second Line 6 Driver: Andrew Armour Comment: Saved for one run she could be in this. Trainer knows how to win this race. Place chance at value.

 

Number 9   Kristina   3 yr old filly Bettor's Delight - Dellero

Kristina returning to the birdcage after winning at Winton.

Trainer: Cran Dalgety Owners: WH Roberts Current formline: 10X2441 Barrier draw: Second Line 2 Driver: Dexter Dunn Comment: Her form is excellent and can win if she gets a cart into the race. Has the right driver on.

 

Number 9   My Mei 3 yr old gelding Falcon Seelster - Bizzie Girl

My Mei and David Butt at Wyndham.

Trainer: David and Catherine Butt Owners: DW McDonald Current formline: 18211410 Barrier draw: Second Line 2 Driver: Bob Butt Comment: Form was great until the Derby. This is a drop in class but trainer says he may be training off.