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Race 10: BARRETT (5, Sheree Tomlinson), mob. 2180m: “Had his chance in the Nugget Final at Winton (New Year’s Eve) and wasn’t too far away. Kendra looks the one to beat but a good place chance.”
Race 6: SIOUX PRINCESS (9, Laura McKay), mob. 2000m: “Ran on really good at Addington. If she keeps trotting a chance again.”
Race 6: QUEENOFDANCE (11, Robbie Close), mob. 2450m: “Was a bit unlucky the second day at Westport and a chance with a good trip.”
Race 10: ROCK N JOY (7, Blair Orange) & LETS HUSTLE (8, Samantha Ottley), 2000m std: “Rock N Joy battled up in grade on the second day at Westport so take on trust.”
“Lets Hustle didn’t have any luck the second day at Westport, but he’s usually honest on the grass and an each-way show.”
Race 4: ROCKAHULA JOE (3, Samantha Ottley) & BARRETT (7, Mark), mob. 2400m: “Both won their maidens good at Wairio but Greg and Nina Hope’s Mossdale Art won her mile in 1:52.5 so she’s going to be the one to beat from the ace. Hopefully the 2400m will help us more than her.”
Race 8: MICHELLE (11, Mark), mob. 2400m: “In good touch and with a good run through, has an each-way chance.”
Race 9: SI SI SENOR (10, Mark), mob. 2400m: “Was the only one of our four not to win at Wairio, battling away for for fifth. Drawn to get an economical trip and hopefully can do better.”
Outside drives
Race 2: BETTERTHANSPRAYING (7), mob. 2400m: “She’s a consistent Canterbury maiden for Terry and Glenys Chmiel. Should be a winning chance in this.”
Race 3: BACK IN BLACK (3), mob. 1609m: “Is racing good for Stephen Boyd but stepping up in grade. Hopefully, he can go on with the good work.”
Race 5: VI LEE (4), mob. 2400m: “Was a beaten favourite at Forbury after getting no peace in front. That was first-up so could improve further.”
Race 6: MISS BIG (5), mob. 1609m: “Solid first-up fourth in the 1:53.4 mile at Ashburton so with further improvement, could be a bit of value.”
Race 7: I’VE ALREADY TOLD YOU (14, UR), mob. 2400m: “Looks a nice horse for Stephen Boyd but up in grade and off the unruly makes it hard. Looking for the right luck.”
Race 11: QUEENOFDANCE (2, Robbie Close), ROCK N JOY (11, Bob Butt) & LETS HUSTLE (12, Samantha Ottley), 2000m std:
“Queenofdance didn’t run on the first day but is capable of better from the draw.”
“Rock N Joy got the job done with a good run in a lower grade the first day, but this will be a bit harder.”
“Lets Hustle fought well the first day and a good each-way chance.”
Race 8: QUEENOFDANCE (14, Samantha Ottley), mob. 2600m: “Racing good without luck. Is owned over there so hoping for a good run.”
Race 9: ROCK N JOY (5, Samantha Ottley), 2000m std: “Going near enough without getting much luck lately.”
Race 11: LETS HUSTLE (7, Samantha Ottley), 2000m std: “Likes the grass and a good each-way chance.”
Race 10: ROCKAHULA JOE (SCR): “Ineligible after winning on Saturday.”
Outside drives
Razce 1: CHOICE LUSTRE (9), mob. 2200m: “Battled away at Addington last week. Might find this a little easier so outside place.”
Race 5: RAKE (6), 2700m std: “Form sound the last two months but only one win in 41 starts so place probably best.”
Race 9: ARDENT LUSTRE (9), mob. 2200m: “Battling latest Canterbury racing but capable of better.”
The Overport Lodge stable of Mark Jones unleashed three early Christmas crackers at Winton on Saturday, December 22.
They made the trek south worthwhile with three of the four starts saluting, taking the stable to 11 seasonal wins.
Australasian Young Drivers champ Sheree Tomlinson hit the front on the NZ Junior Drivers Premiership when she combined with stable runner Michelle in the Ryal Bush Transport Ltd Trot.
Michelle and Sheree Tomlinson return after winning at Winton on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Stewart).
Sheree moved to 21 seasonal wins, one ahead of John Morrison, after combining with Michelle for her second win in her last three starts.
Michelle, a warm favourite but a mare who recently came off the unruly, wasn’t hurried early, settling nicely into her rhythm before Sheree took her to the top at the 1600m.
She was clear for much of the run home, and while trailer Delson (Chelsea Faithful) closed late, Michelle held by a neck in 3:08 (2400m), trotting her last 800m in 59.1s.
This was her third win in 29 starts, but she’s made good progress lately.
Sheree also drove her on the front end to win a junior drivers trot over 2200m at Forbury on December 7 for owner, Wayne Higgs.
Mr Higgs took ownership of the chestnut mare two years ago from Burnham breeders, Bruce and Colleen Negus.
She’s the first foal from Eves Apple, a Red River Hanover mare who won twice pacing.
Her second foal was the promising Sir Lincoln pacer, John The Plumber, who ran second on debut as a two-year-old and ran seventh in the NZ Sapling Stakes, but subsequently died.
Michelle belongs to a pacing-bred family tracing to good pacers of yesteryear in Eden’s Joy (10 wins), Young Eden (1987 NZ Oaks winner), Good Mate (nine NZ wins), Young Pride (1:57.5, Aust), Kenny The Cowboy (1:51.4, US), Captain Crazy (1:52.8, US) and Roland John (1:53.8, US).
Mark brought back memories of seasons past in the deep south with positive front-running driving wins with maiden pacers, Rockahula Joe and Barrett.
He also reined the Kirsten Barclay and “Tank” Ellis-trained mare Shezacullengirl for second to runaway winner Smokin By in the day’s feature, the Wairio Cup.
Mark wasn’t going to leave the course wondering with his two maiden pacers, sending them clear and making the most of their staying abilities.
Rockahula Joe had his rivals struggling to stay in touch turning for home and he was untroubled to win by 3 and 3/4 lengths in 3:00.5 for the mobile 2400m.
By Roll With Joe (1:48.4, brother of champion sire Bettor’s Delight) and sire of smart Australian pacer, Ignatius (1:51.3, 16 wins from 19 starts), Rockahula Joe was a winner at his sixth start on Saturday.
He’s from an unraced American-bred Artsplace sister to useful Australasian winners, Rockin Roll Lad (1:58.9, nine wins) and On Tap (1:53.8, five wins), and from a half-sister to big winner, Blazin N Cullen (1:50.8, 24 wins & $523,732).
Barrett, rewarded at his seventh start, after finishing twice second earlier this month, scored an emphatic six and a quarter lengths win in the Willy’s Flooring Ltd Pace.
The Bettor’s Delight colt cleared out from the home turn to win as he liked in 3:02.2 from the stand start 2400m, quickening over his last 800m in 57.7s and 400m in 28.1s.
He’s the first foal from Australian Group race winner Priceless Gem (Art Major-My Ami Lee), a winner of 10 from 52 starts for $80,861.
Race 4: ROCK N JOY (11, Laura McKay), mob. 2600m: “Been good on grass but is back on the all-weather so will need luck.”
Race 5: SIOUX PRINCESS (14, Laura McKay), mob. 1980m: “Is in a strong field. Hopefully she trots all the way and and can be an upset place chance.”
Race 2: ROCKAHULA JOE (2, Mark), mob. 2400m: “Walked and a sprint home last week didn’t suit but gets a chance there in a competitive race.”
Barrett, looking for a break through maiden win at Winton on Saturday.
Race 3: BARRETT (7, Mark), 2400m std: “Honest maiden and with good manners is an each-way chance.”
Race 4: SI SI SENOR (4, Mark), mob. 2400m: “Has been a complete disappointment so needs to improve.”
Race 5: MICHELLE (3, Sheree Tomlinson), 2400m std: “Trotting good and if she brings her manners, she is a winning hope.”
Race 10: SMOKE N REACTOR (1), mob. 2400m: “Scratched.”
Outside drive
Race 8: SHEZACULLENGIRL (1), 2400m std: “Good mile win last start. Has stepped in two of three stand starts so looks one of many chances in a strong form field.”
Well-performed racemare Rocker Band, completing the twilight of her race career in the New South Wales barn of Tim Butt, lowered her Menangle winning best to 1:51.8 when taking out the Ladyship Stakes at Menangle, on Tuesday, December 17.
Driver Sam Ottley gives a salute as Rocker Band wins the 2016 $150,000 Harness Jewels 4YO Diamond for the Mark Jones stable.
Her previous best was a 1:52.1 winning mile rate over 1720m at Melton in the Alabar Ladyship Cup in February, 2017.
She had also won her previous start at Melton in a 1:52.3 rate over 1720m.
The daughter of Rocknroll Hanover and NZ Cup-winning mare Mainland Banner led throughout on Tuesday in the hands of Chris Geary, holding as a $2.30 favourite for her 13th career win from 57 starts, taking her earnings to $355,574.
Rocker Band, who has been raced throughout her career with Gold Coast owner Greg Brodie, is to return to the ownership of Burnham trainer Mark Jones at the completion of her race career.
Mark made Rocker Band available for her racing to Mr Brodie as a replacement for another who didn’t perform up to expectations several season ago.
Rocker Band, bred this season with champion sire Bettor’s Delight, won the 2016 Group One Harness Jewels Diamond at Cambridge in 1:53.3 in the hands of Samantha Ottley.
She was also a runner-up to Dream About Me in the Group One 2016 Rosslands Queen Of Hearts at Auckland, before taking her career across the Tasman.
Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) is delighted to confirm today that it has appointed Peter Jensen as Chief Executive.
Mr Jensen comes to HRNZ with a wealth of senior level leadership experience.
They include Chief Executive roles at Spanbild Holdings Ltd, a large Christchurch-based construction company with multiple business units operating across Australasia, Southern Response, a Government owned insurer, and most recently with Addington Raceway Ltd.
HRNZ Board Chair Ken Spicer said Mr Jensen has a strong mix of commercial expertise and racing knowledge and interest.
“Peter Jensen has extensive business experience along with a life-long passion for harness racing. His background in customer-centric organisations, central government and managing complex projects are well suited to leading the HRNZ team as our industry deals with the changes that are likely to be ahead as a result of the Messara report”.
Mr Jensen said he was looking forward to leading the HRNZ team and working with the board to deliver meaningful change.
“HRNZ faces a number of challenges but also some exciting opportunities. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the business and I am looking forward to bringing to this role my skills, experience and passion for the sport to make a real difference for industry stakeholders”.
Mr Jensen’s start date is yet to be confirmed as he completes his commitments to Addington.
In the meantime, Liz Bishop GM Operations, will act as Chief Executive.
Mr Spicer said he was confident HRNZ will be in good hands with Mrs Bishop, who has been with the business since April, at the helm.
Edward Rennell’s last day with HRNZ is on December 19, after 21 years as Chief Executive.
Mr Spicer said Mr Rennell has made a significant contribution to the sport of harness racing: “I would like to express our gratitude for the commitment Edward has shown to HRNZ over such a long period of time.
“He can be rightly proud of what has been achieved under his stewardship. The Board wishes Edward every success in his future endeavours.”
The chair of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, Brent Smith said Addington is disappointed to lose Mr Jensen but understood his desire to take a leadership role with a broader industry perspective.
Mr Smith said: “Peter has achieved a great deal in his time at Addington. We are confident the business is in good shape and on track to remain New Zealand’s premier harness racing club.
“We have commenced our search for our next CEO and will make an announcement on this early in 2019, once the process is complete”.
Courtesy of Courtney Clarke
Communications and Marketing Co-Ordinator | Harness Racing New Zealand Inc
Race 4: MICHELLE (14, Mark), 2000m std: “Racing good and hard off back row over 2000m but if she behaves she is a chance.”
Race 5: BARRETT (1, Samantha Ottley) & ROCKAHULA JOE (3, Mark), mob. 1980m: “Barrett is racing honestly. This is a strong maiden field but gets his chance from the draw.”
“Rockahula Joe is fresh-up and will benefit from the run. It’s a nice field but his work has been ok.”
Race 9: SI SI SENOR (1, Samantha Ottley), mob. 1980m: “Gets the draw to take short cuts and an upset place chance fresh-up.”
Mark’s Outside drive
Race 3: DIVINIA BELLEZZA (7), mob. 2600m: “Has been battling away in hard races. Looking for luck from the draw.”
Race 1: KOWHAI SUNDOWN (18, Mark), 2600m std: “Not as happy as I had been with him so looking for luck from the draw.”
Race 7: LETS HUSTLE (12, Samantha Ottley), mob. 1950m: “Gets in a suitable race on the grass and an upset hope.”
Race 10: QUEENOFDANCE (7, Samantha Ottley), 1950m std: “Up in grade but her two starts have been good so a place chance.”
Race 11: ROCK N JOY (5, Laura McKay) & SMOKE N REACTOR (6, Samantha Ottley), 1950m std: “Rock N Joy was unlucky last week but I wouldn’t know what she would have done if she did gap the gap. The short distance stand on grass suits her.”
“Some N Reactor was shocking last week but got over-racing. Seems good and looks good winning hope.”
Race 12: NAIYA FRANCO (14, Mark), mob. 1950m: “Fresh-up and drawn in the carpark so looking for luck.”
Race 2: KOWHAI SUNDOWN (8, Mark), mob. 1980m: “Back to mobile should help. It’s a nice field but an each-way chance.”
Race 5: SMOKE N REACTOR (4, Sheree Tomlinson), mob. 2600m: “Better last start but 2600n and luck in the running is a concern.”
Outside drive
Race 6: IDLE MOOSE (10), mob. 2600m: “If they go hard it should suit but tricky draw and needs luck in a good field.”
Race 5: QUEENOFDANCE (1, Samantha Ottley), 2700m std: “Good win fresh-up and seems good since, so won’t be far away.”
Race 6: MICHELLE (3, Sheree Tomlinson), 2200m std: “First time off the unruly but if she trots all the way is a good winning chance.”
Race 7: LETS HUSTLE (1, Laura McKay), mob. 2700m: “Drawn to make his own luck and a good chance.”
Race 1: SIOUX PRINCESS (11, UR 2, Laura McKay), mob. 1980m: “Has a lot to learn and can make mistakes so take on trust.”
Race 2: BARRETT (3, Mark), mob. 1980m: “Racing honest but needs luck.”
Outside drives
Race 4: SWEET MARYLOU (11), 2400m std: “Tough ask from the draw.”
Race 5: DREAMY DAMIEN (4), mob. 1980m: “Might be better on the all-weather and an outside place chance.”
Race 8: ROCK N JOY (11, Laura McKay), mob. 2000m: “Went terrible last week but good prior on grass so an upset place chance.”
