RANGIORA HRC (grass), Sunday, December 20

J Scott The Inside Word

RANGIORA HRC (grass track), Sunday, December 20
Fair Dinkum Bromac, after 10 non-winning starts, slips back to the C1 grade at Rangiora on Sunday.

Fair Dinkum Bromac, after 10 non-winning starts, slips back to the C1 grade at Rangiora on Sunday.

Race 6: FAIR DINKUM BROMAC (12, Laura McKay), & ZENA MAC (13, Wayne Higgs), mob. 1950m:

“Fair Dinkum Bromac’s back in a C1 but looking for luck from the draw.”

“Zena Mac’s fresh-up and has the worst draw. Has had a workout and a trial but needs luck too.”

Race 7: DANKE (14, Samantha Ottley), 6, 10m, 2600m std: “Broke in the back straight at Forbury on Wednesday for no reason. Was a bit unlucky at his previous start at Methven so an upset show if he does things right.”

Race 10: LOUIE FINN (4, Blair Orange), 2600m std: “Should step away good from the draw and an each-way chance.”

NZ METRO-AUCKLAND-WINTON, Dec. 18-19

J Scott The Inside Word

NZ METRO TC, Friday, December 18

Race 3: SUNOFLINDENNY (13, Samantha Ottley), mob. 1950m: “Shame he drew second row but with luck is a good winning hope.”

Race 6: EASTBURN MARA (3, Laura McKay), mob. 1950m: “Fresh-up but races good that way. Outside place chance.”

Race 7: PERISSA (5, Robbie Close), mob. 1609m: “Will find it tough from the wide draw over the mile from that start.”

Race 9: EXPRESSO MARTINI (SCR), mob. 1950m:

Race 11: TWICE THE DELIGHT (3, Samantha Ottley), mob. 1950m: “Drawn to lead and if she puts her best foot forward can win.”

AUCKLAND TC, Friday, December 18

Race 6: REAL TORQUE (3, Mark), mob. 2200m: “Looking for luck.”

Race 7: MASTER LAVROS (11, Mark), mob. 2200m: “Seems well and will improve with the run. Looking for luck from the draw.”

WINTON HRC, Saturday, December 19

Race 9: ROCKER BAND (7, Samantha Ottley), mob. 1609m: “Trialling up nice and with luck in the running is a big hope.”

Rocker Band, primed for a bold mile fresh at Winton on Saturday.

Rocker Band, primed for a bold mile fresh at Winton on Saturday.

Dexter Dunn nominated for Sportsman of Year

J Scott Latest News

DEXTER DUNN NOMINATED FOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

HRNZ Media release, December 15, 2015

The Halberg Disability Sport Foundation announced on Tuesday, December 15, that 63 nominations have been received for six categories at the 53rd Halberg Awards – the nation’s pre-eminent event to honour and celebrate sporting achievements by New Zealand teams and athletes in 2015.

Dexter Dunn, in his national colours at the World Drivers Championship.

Dexter Dunn, in his national colours at the World Drivers Championship.

Amongst the nominees is our very own Dexter Dunn, who obtained a nomination in the High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportsman of the Year category for his World Driving Champion title that he secured back in March.

At the World Drivers Championships, held in New South Wales, he competed in 20 heats against nine other drivers from all around the world.

Throughout the Championships Dunn finished first or second in 11 of the heats and fittingly finished on top in the final heat to round out the fantastic driving feat.

He is in a tough pool of very talented New Zealand athletes including: Anton Cooper (Mountain Biking), Daniel Carter (Rugby), Danny Lee (Golf), Kane Williamson (Cricket), Mahe Drysdale (Rowing), Scott Dixon (Motorsport) and Winston Reid (Football).

Ten awards will be presented at the 53rd Halberg Awards which will be held on Thursday 18 February 2016 at Vector Arena in Auckland and televised live on SKY SPORT. Nominations will now go to the Halberg Awards judges which includes former athletes, coaches and sports journalists.

The judges will review the achievements submitted to decide the finalists which will be announced in early January 2016.

Courtesy of Stacey Markham,
Marketing & Communications Manager,
Harness Racing New Zealand.

FORBURY PARK TC, Wednesday, December 16

J Scott The Inside Word

FORBURY PARK TC, Wednesday, December 16
Danke, a chance in an open C1-3 trot at Forbury on Wednesday.

Danke, a chance in an open C1-3 trot at Forbury on Wednesday.

Race 2: FORTY THIEVES (2, Samantha Ottley), mob. 2200m: “He raced a bit greenly and didn’t get much of a go late in his debut there two weeks ago. Hopefully, he’ll be a bit better for it this week.”

Race 4: REALLY DESIRABLE (10, Samantha Ottley), mob. 2200m: “Was put aside after finishing last to Golden Goddess in her Ashburton qualifying trial in May. Went well enough for second in her Rangiora workout last week to find a race. Will need to step and do things right.”

Race 6: DANKE (7, Samantha Ottley), 2, 10m, 2700m std: “Had no luck at his last start and a chance providing he does things right.”

Race 9: MARITIME ARDEN (10, Samantha Ottley), mob. 2200m: “Thought she would go better last start and she did. Can get some of it again with the right luck from the draw.”

Race 10: ZAKSPATROL (6, Samantha Ottley), mob. 2700m: “Quick Of A Trick looks too good but he can place in that field.”

Addington promotion for Business/Marketing Manager

J Scott Latest News

ADDINGTON PROMOTION FOR BUSINESS/MARKETING MANAGER

December 10

Addington Raceway and Events Centre is pleased to announce that our Business Development Manager Keryn McElroy has been promoted to the role of Business and Marketing Manager.

Addington logoKeryn’s new role will allow her to continue with the majority of her current responsibilities, together with managing the marketing function.

Keryn is a valued and highly respected member of the team, possesses impressive attention to detail, has extensive experience in business development and has a great rapport with our partners.

She has been part of the Addington team since September 2011.

This promotion follows the recent resignation of Addington’s Marketing & Commercial Manager Ged Mooar, who is moving to Nevele R Stud.

Keryn starts her new position on Monday 11 January 2016.

Courtesy of Addington Raceway & Events Centre

AUCK-FORBURY-NZ METRO-AKAROA TC, Dec. 11-13

J Scott The Inside Word

AUCKLAND TC, Friday, December 11
Eyre I Come, a good each-way chance at Auckland on Friday night.

Eyre I Come, a good each-way chance at Auckland on Friday night.

Race 3: EYRE I COME (9, Stevie Golding), UR 1, 10m, 2700m std:

“Gets in a nice race but against some nice horses. If does things right he should be hard to beat.”

Race 6: NORTHERN VELOCITY (5, Tony Herlihy) & REAL TORQUE (8, Stevie Golding), mob. 1700m:

“Both looking for improved efforts on their latest races.”

Race 13: ARANNALEA (5, Zac Butcher), 2200m std: “If she does things right can figure in finish.”

FORBURY PARK TC, Friday, December 11

Race 4: MARITIME ARDEN (4, Sheree Tomlinson), & LOUIE FINN (6, Laura McKay), mob. 2200m: “With the right run Maritime Arden can upset.”

“Louie Finn is racing good and just needs the right luck.”

Race 6: FORTY THIEVES (8, Samantha Ottley), mob. 2200m: “First start and still 12 months away but an each-way show.”

NZ METRO TC, Saturday, December 12

Race 5: ZAKSPATROL (4, Samantha Ottley), mob. 2600m: “Is in a tough grade and hard to find the right races for him.”

Race 6: KOWHAI WHIZ (6, Robbie Close), 2600m std: “Was a bit disappointing on Saturday so looking for an improved effort.”

Race 8: CROFT BAY (6, Samantha Ottley), & JOHNNY ARROW (11, Robbie Close), mob. 2600m:

“Croft Bay needed first-up run and is an each-way show.”

“Was only a walking race last week for Johnny Arrow. Can place if puts best foot forward.”

AKAROA TC, Sunday, December 13

Race 7: DANKE (18, Samantha Ottley), 2, 10m, 2170m std: “No luck last week and can upset.”

Race 10: FAIR DINKUM BROMAC (7, Laura McKay, E2), 2170m std:  “Has downgraded but needs scratchings to get a run.”

NZ Metro TC, Thursday, December 10

J Scott The Inside Word

NZ METRO TC, Thursday, December 10
Expresso Martini, resumes from a wide gate at Addington on Thursday.

Expresso Martini, resumes from a wide gate at Addington on Thursday.

 

Race 4: EXPRESSO MARTINI (9, Samantha Ottley), mob. 1950m:

 

“Trialled good but with preferential barrier draw it makes it near impossible so we be looking for luck and have him running on.”

Addington lounge renamed after “Terror”

J Scott Latest News

ADDINGTON LOUNGE GETS NAME CHANGE

December 8, 2015

Addington is pleased to announce the Legends Lounge located on the top floor of the Metropolitan Stand at the Raceway & Events Centre is to be known as the “Terror To Love” from January 1, 2016.

A champion pacer, the great Terror To Love won a total of 16 races at Addington.

Addington logoHe became only the third horse in history to win three New Zealand Trotting Cups and made that second Tuesday in November his own from 2011 to 2013.

The famous name joins fellow champion pacers Blossom Lady and Christian Cullen, who also have their names associated with function rooms at Addington.

Earlier this year Addington named the 3200 metre starting point the “Terror To Love Starting Point.” Adding to his three Cup wins, he also took out an Easter Cup run over 3200 metres.

Met Chairman Barry Dent commented: “It is entirely appropriate that Legends be renamed after Terror To Love given his achievements at Addington.

”Terror” was a champion horse and had grown into an Addington crowd favourite. Additionally, Terry McDonald, the owner of “Terror”, has been a wonderful supporter of Addington and it is just great to be able to acknowledge Terry as well as his wonderful stallion.”

The new name was officially announced and acknowledged at the recent Christchurch Casino New Zealand Trotting Cup Owners function held on Sunday, November 8, at Addington where Terry McDonald was present along with supporters and guests.

Courtesy of Ged Mooar,
Marketing & Commerical Manager,
Addington.

Perissa first-up winner in speed series

J Scott Latest News

PERISSA WELL-PLACED IN PRODIGAL SEELSTER SPEED SERIES

Perissa, a tenacious nose winner of the $9000 heat Prodigal Seelster Summer of Speed Series Heat at Methven in 1:59.7 (1609m) on Sunday, December 6, is well placed to advance further through the series.

She clocked a 1:59.7 grass mile in the opening leg of the series.

The Canterbury Standardbred Breeders Assocation series is made to order for Perissa, who has a fastest winning mile rate of 1:56.4 (2000m) at Rangiora 12 months ago, and ran the fastest final 800m race section recorded at Addington of 54.3s on October 16.

Perissa (Robbie Close), in action holding Motu Lightning Lass in the the Prodigal Seelster Mares Speed Series at Methven (Race Images photo).

Perissa (Robbie Close), in action holding Motu Lightning Lass in the the Prodigal Seelster Mares Speed Series at Methven (Race Images photo).

The speed series has a stakes-won cap of $65,000, with Perissa fitting in nicely, having earned just over $43,500 going into the first round.

Perissa will have other good opportunities in further heats at Addington on December 19, and Ashburton on January 16, and the $16,000 final at Ashburton on February 7.

The 6YO Art Major-Riwaka Star mare has continued to blossom since teaming up with the Woodend Beach arm of the Mark Jones stable in November 2014, for owners, Steve and Maureen O’Brien.

She joined the stable with one win from 27 starts.

Her lastest win was her fifth from 24 starts for the Jones team, advancing her stakes to $48,046.

Robbie Close, last season’s Australasian and NZ Junior Drivers Champion, gets on well with the mare.

After a first-up fifth in his first race steer behind the mare, Robbie’s now won twice with her, while he’s also picked up a second and two thirds from six racedrives behind Perissa.

Trapped wide from the seven gate early, Robbie sent her to the top after the opening quarter.

Main danger Motu Lightning Lass had the sweet sit on her back for Sam Ottley, but Perissa wouldn’t be denied.

She kept kicking to the line, holding by a nose over her last 800m in 57.8s and final 400m in 28.1s.

This was the ninth win from 117 drives for Robbie, in his first season as an open horseman.

Meanwhile, the Mark Jones stable is currently third-equal on this season’s trainers premiership with 17 wins, sharing the position with Tony Herlihy, and Greg and Nina Hope.

The Allstars Stables of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen are again in a race of their own as premiership leaders with 42 wins.

The Robert Dunn stable leads the chase with 24 wins.

HR WAIKATO, AUCK., OAMARU, METHVEN, Dec. 3-6

J Scott The Inside Word

HR WAIKATO @ Cambridge, Thursday, December 3

Race 6: REAL TORQUE (10, Mark), mob. 2200m: “Racing good. An each-way chance with the right luck from the draw.”

AUCKLAND TC, Friday, December 4

Race 2: ARANNALEA (6, Mark), 2200m std: “Just got topped off first-up two weeks ago. Its a stronger field but she’s a chance again.”

Race 4: NORTHERN VELOCITY (11, Michael Blakemore), mob. 2200m: “Disappointed a couple of weeks back so we’ve dropped her into a race with a junior claim but looking for luck from the draw.”

Race 7: EYRE I COME (4, Mark), UR 1, 10m, 2700m std: “Going solid races and an each-way show again.”

OAMARU HRC, Saturday, December 5
Sunoflindenny, should be a good each-way chance with another fast start in the invited drivers race over 2000m at Oamaru on Saturday.

Sunoflindenny, should be a good each-way chance with another fast start in the invited drivers race over 2000m at Oamaru on Saturday.

Race 2: CROFT BAY (5, Gerard O’Reilly) & SO DEVINE (6, Sailesh Abernethy), mob. 2000m:

“Croft Bay is a half-brother to McPocket and first-up for us. Hasn’t trialled but is going ok and could place.

“So Devine is racing good and looks a strong each-way chance.”

Race 4: JOHNNY ARROW (12, Blair Orange), mob. 2000m: “He hasn’t raced for 12 months but ran on well for third at the Rangiora workouts last week. Will be better with a race but outside place.”

Race 5: SUNOFLINDENNY (6, Sailesh Abernethy), UR 1, 10m, & KOWHAI WHIZ (Gerard O’Reilly), 2, 20m, 2000m std:

“Sunoflindenny stepped fast and went really good last week. He’s in the right race (2000m stand) and Sailesh is a good front-running driver so might be the one to run down.”

“Kowhai Whiz is honest and with right luck off 20m could be a bit of place value.”

Race 7: LOUIE FINN (9, Clark Barron), mob. 2000m: “Back with us after having a change of routine at Regan’s. He’s racing good overall but will have to work from the draw.”

Race 8: TWICE THE DELIGHT (12), mob. 2000m: “Balloted and will go to Methven on Sunday.”

Race 10: ICE CRUSHER (10, Zac Butcher), 2000m std: “On the way up again after being sick on Show day. Hopefully he’s better for his race last week and should be a good chance for Zac in that field.”

METHVEN TC, Sunday, December 6
Twice The Delight, a possible improver for Methven on Sunday.

Twice The Delight, a possible improver for Methven on Sunday.

Race 3: CORINGA DELIGHT (6, Wayne Higgs), mob. 2300m: “Got back and couldn’t get into it with a 55.1s half up front last week.  Is going better than her form reads but probably just a place chance.”

Race 5: TWICE THE DELIGHT (3), mob. 2300m: “Blew out in the run home last week at Orari. Should be improved. Upset place.”

Race 7: DANKE (16), 6, 10m, 2400m std: “Has disappointed since his good first-up run at Kaikoura. Needs to improve.”

Race 8: FAIR DINKUM BROMAC (5) & MARITIME ARDEN (9), fr, 2400m std:

“Fair Dinkum Bromac needs luck. He’s close to a drop back which will suit him better.”

“Maritime Arden needed the run last week and looking for luck.”

Race 10: PERISSA (7, Mark Jones), mob. 1609m: “Went good last week and should be a strong each-way show in a grass track mile.”