MARLBOROUGH HRC, Sunday, January 25

J Scott The Inside Word

MARLBOROUGH HRC, Sunday, January 25

Race 3: ZENA MAC (2, Wayne Higgs), mob. 2300m: “Finished well the first day and looks a good chance if she stays handy.”

Kowhai Sunrise, easy winner of the C1 trot at Marlborough in the Hartnell racing colours on Friday. She steps up against top 3YO Monbet and others in the C2-5 trot on Sunday.

Kowhai Sunrise, easy winner of the C1 trot at Marlborough in the Hartnell racing colours on Friday. She steps up against top 3YO Monbet and others in the C2-5 trot on Sunday.

Race 4: CORINGA DELIGHT (7, Wayne Higgs), mob. 2300m: “Locked stays down the back and lost interest afterwards. Capable of better with the right luck.

Race 5: CHARMING LAVRA (9, Blair Orange), 2700m std: “Began good and was solid behind Kowhai Sunrise on Friday. A chance again if she settles handy.”

Race 7: KOWHAI SUNRISE (5, Mark), UR 1, & ASTRAPI (9, Kimberly Butt), 3, 10m, 2700m std: “Kowhai Sunrise raced great on Friday. This is a tougher race against Monbet but should be a place chance.”

“Astrapi went good the first day but just lost it near the line. Thats him. If he does things right he can get some of it.”

Race 9: ALL DELIGHT (2, Craig Thornley) & REKLAW SUPREME (7, Wayne Higgs), 3200m std: “All Delight was rewarded for consistency on Friday. She’s good from a stand but its a lot tougher field. She’s always therebouts so could place.”

“Reklaw Supreme will need alot of luck to place.”

Outside drive

Race 6: SCOTLYNN MACH (4), mob. 2300m: “Tired the last 100m after working from the back row on Friday. The draw suits better so an each-way chance.”

BANKS PEN, MARLBOROUGH, IN’GILL, JAN 22-24

J Scott The Inside Word

BANKS PENINSULA TC, Thursday, January 22

Race 4: BETTOR LUCK (17, Michelle Neilson), mob. 2000m: “Raced well at Nelson but back to a mobile and drawn terrible. Chance with luck.”

Race 6: ZAKSPATROL (10, Kimberly Butt), 2170m std: “Racing good and this suits him well. If he steps and stays handy he’ll be a strong chance.”

Race 10: TWICE THE DELIGHT (1, Kimberly Butt), mob. 2000m: “Paid the price for being slow away over 2000m last start. Better drawn but is a strong field. An each-way chance.”

MARLBOROUGH HRC, Friday, January 23

Race 3: ZENA MAC (3, Wayne Higgs) & CHAMPAGNE DREAMS (6, Blair Orange), mob. 2300m: “Zena Mac is racing honest and a place chance from draw.”

Charming Lavra, an upset chance in the Redwood Trot over 2300m at Marlborough on Friday.

Charming Lavra, an upset chance in the Redwood Trot over 2300m at Marlborough on Friday.

“Champagne Dreams put in a good effort last week and is my best winning chance.”

Race 4: CORINGA DELIGHT (4, Wayne Higgs), mob. 2300m: “Nice maiden up against Millies Creek, who has a massive wrap. I was slightly disappointed with her work on Wednesday but still good each-way value.”

Race 5: CHARMING LAVRA (7, Blair Orange) & KOWHAI SUNRISE (11, Mark), UR 2, 2300m std: “Charming Lavra made a mistake at Oamaru but her work has been good. The distance suits so could upset.”

“Kowhai Sunrise is racing great and if she does things right is a winning hope.”

Race 6: ASTRAPI (7, Mark), 2, 10m, 2300m std: “We all know what he’s like. If he does things right, he can place.”

Race 8: ROCKER BAND (8, Ricky May), mob. 2300m: “Had to win last start after super R May drive. This a step up and drawn bad but I do have a bit of time for her. With any luck she will be very hard to beat.”

Race 9: REKLAW SUPREME (1, Wayne Higgs), 2700m std: “Needs a soft trip and alot of luck to place.”

Race 11: ALL DELIGHT (11, Craig Thornley), mob. 2300m: “Racing honest but this is a strong field. Always a place chance.”

INVERCARGILL HRC, Saturday, January 24

Race 7: PERISSA (6, Michelle Neilson), mob. 1700m: “I drove her too pretty last start so she will go forward and be a good chance.”

Race 9: JOHNNY FOX (7, Blair Orange), 1, 20m, 3200m std: “Has turned the corner and is racing super. If he gets the right run they will know he is in the race.”

Rocker Band could contest NSW Oaks

J Scott Latest News

IMPRESSIVE INVERCARGILL WINNER TO CHASE RICHES

Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones is considering the $A200,000 New South Wales Oaks for exciting filly Rocker Band.

The NSW Oaks have $A20,000 heats scheduled at Menangle on February 21, with the final on March 1.

Rocker Band, scored easily second-up at Invercargill on January 15.

Rocker Band, shown in the hands of her trainer at the Rangiora workouts in early December. She scored easily second-up at Invercargill on January 15.

“Greg Brodie (Queensland owner) is keen on her to go for it,” said trainer Mark Jones.

“First, we have to see if we pay the late payment for the Nevele R Fillies Series. We’ll be guided by Ricky (May’s) thoughts but it looks like we’ll pay it,” he said.

Rocker Band, the daughter of Rocknroll Hanover and 2005 New Zealand Cup winner Mainland Banner (1:55.1, 17 wins & $684,580), was surprisingly beaten into second first-up on a slushy track at Winton by Rakarolla in a 1:57.9 mile.

However, she was much too good in a C0 fillies and mares pace at Invercargill on Thursday, January 15,  starting a hot $1.40 favourite, despite a tricky inside back row draw.

Driver Ricky May eased her out from three back on the markers to stride clear at the 1600m and she was always in control from that point.

Rocker Band lifted her work rate from the home turn to dash away by 4 1/4 lengths from Leola’s Delight (three back) and Thinking Smart (trail) to win in 2:47.5 (2:02.6 mile rate for the mobile 2200m.

The winner quickened over her last 800m in 57.6s and her final 400m in 27.6s.

Rocker Band is a half-sister to Peruvian Banner (1:52.1, US), Stunin Banner (11 wins, 1:59.5) and Return to Sender (four wins, 1:57.4 rate, 2400m).

Her dam Mainland Banner, the only 4YO mare to have won the NZ Cup, was sold by Cullen Breeding in 2010 to Australian Glenferrie Farm owner Peter Chambers, for $135,000 at an Addington dispersal sale.

Also the 2005 NZ Oaks winner and runnerup in an Auckland Cup, Mainland Banner can only leave foals by embryo transfer.

Mr Chambers, who bred Rocker Band and her half-sister Glenferrie Classic (by Bettor’s Delight), before taking her to Australia two years ago, subsequently sold Rocker Band to Mark Jones.

Glenferrie Classic also changed hands, being purchased by a group of NZ owners last year, including Gavin Saunders, who raced the ill-fated 1989 New Zealand Cup winner, Inky Lord.

Mark Jones then passed Rocker Band on to fellow major Australian stable client, Greg Brodie, as a replacement for Ultimate CC, after the latter failed to fulfill her initial promise even though Ultimate CC did win a Nevele R Fillies Consolation.

Mark qualified Rocker Band at Rangiora on April 7, winning in a smart 2:31.7 (mobile 2000m), from other smart fillies and subsequent 3YO filly winners in Storm Maguire, Whitershadeofpale (now unbeaten in four NSW starts and a 1:53.9 Menangle miler) and Maritime Arden.

He then gave her time out with the prospect of developing into a classic 3YO.

Meanwhile, last season’s Trotter of the Year Master Lavros will now miss the Glenferrie Challenge (also to be run on March 1) and be set for another Rowe Cup on April 24 after returning to work on Monday.

By Jeff Scott

NZ METRO TC, Jan 16 & OAMARU HRC, Jan 18

J Scott The Inside Word

NZ METRO TC, Friday, January 16
Twice The Delight, a chance if she begins well from an outside draw over 2000m from a stand start at Addington on Friday night.

Twice The Delight, a chance if she begins well from an outside draw over 2000m from a stand start at Addington on Friday night.

Race 1: CHAMPAGNE DREAMS (12, Blair Orange), mob. 1950m: “Drawn terrible again in a tough field but I am happy with her and she’s a chance with the right run.”

Race 3: PERISSA (3, Mark), mob. 1609m: “Is racing great and drawn to go forward. Should be a strong chance.”

Race 9: ASTRAPI (10, Mark), mob. 1950m: “Getting up in grade but is racing good. Will need luck from the draw.”

Race 10: TWICE THE DELIGHT (9, Mark), 2000m std: “Better last start and this looks a good race for her.”

 

 

 

OAMARU HRC (grass), Sunday, January 18

Race 5: CHARMING LAVRA (11, Blair Orange), 2000m std: “Nice win first-up but this is a big step up here.”

Race 11: FAIR DINKUM BROMAC (6, Kimberly Butt), mob. 2000m: “Just battled on the all-weather there last week. The grass track gives him an outside chance if he switches on but take on trust.

Nth Southland TC, Thursday, January 15

J Scott The Inside Word

NORTHERN SOUTHLAND TC, Thursday, January 15

Race 6: ROCKER BAND (9, Ricky May), mob. 2200m: “Nice filly drawn terrible again but with any luck can win.”

Race 9: EYRE I COME (2, Blair Orange), UR 1, fr, 2, 3200m std: “Galloped at trials so hope for mistake-free run. He may be a run short but he gets a head start on a few, so should be an each-way chance.”

Johnny Fox impresses with Nelson double

J Scott Latest News

JOHNNY FOX TOO SMART IN NELSON CUP PRELUDE & CUP

Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones could head south for the Group Three $40,000 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup (3200m) on January 24 with Nelson Cup winner Johnny Fox.

“He’s going great. We may look at the Invercargill Cup or something like that.”

“Its just a bit harder to place him as a six-win horse now,” he said.

Johnny Fox and Blair Orange, completed a smart winning Nelson double when taking out the $12,569 Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Cup on Sunday, January 11, 2014.

Johnny Fox and Blair Orange, completed a smart winning Nelson double when taking out the $12,569 Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Cup on Sunday, January 11, 2014.

Mark Jones will attempt to extend a winning habit as a trainer in the Invercargill Cup, should Johnny Fox return south. Mark has won two of the last three Invercargill Cups, with Ohoka Texas (2012) and Saveapatrol.

The latter upstaged triple NZ Cup winner Terror To Love, last year, after 13 days earlier taking out the Marlborough Cup.

Johnny Fox caused concerns after a breathing problem came to a head on New Zealand Cup in November, but an overcheck and an anti-choking device (under his chin) have him racing better than ever.

The Western Terror gelding ran an improver’s second to Mossdale Conner first-up at Rangiora on December 31, then went from strength-to-strength at Nelson.

He sprinted a fast final 800m in 54.9s to run down Stradowan in the Cup Prelude on Friday, but was even more impressive pacing the same sectional over the longer 3000m trip to win on Sunday.

Johnny Fox, second last at the 800m, swept up sharply four wide on the home turn for Blair Orange, and had a good kick when he asked him to go at the 200m.

The Butterworth Racing Syndicate-owned pacer ran clear by three-quarters of a length from Stradowan, who had to settle for the bridesmaid tag again, after leading early, trailing King Cyril, and having every chance.

He paced the full 3000m in 3:49.8 (2:03.2 mile rate), and outside the the Nelson track and race mark of 3:47.4, set by Jason Rulz when beating Jackaroo Bromac in the 2013 Nelson Cup.

Johnny Fox, bred by the Wilson family of Winton, won his first five when racing for trainer Ian Wilson and briefly in Canterbury for Steve McRae, before being purchased by the Butterworth Syndicate.

He won second-up for the Mark Jones team and Michelle Neilson in a junior drivers pace at Addington in March last year, and despite having breathing issues, had shown high speed in his races.

Although the competition for him will get harder up the grades, he’s looking more relaxed and has a chance of realising his full potential.

Melbourne owners, Merv and Meg Butterworth, had another good day on both sides of the Tasman with Arden Rooney, formerly in the Mark Purdon/Natalie Rasmussen barn, running third first-up for Kerryn Manning in the $A60,505 Horsham Cup.

Arden Rooney enjoyed a good run through from the inside of the back row to trail on the outer. He fought solidly behind winner Philadelphia Man, who was too good after racing in the open outside a pulling favourite For a Reason.

Philadelphia Man was too strong, coming clear in a track record 1:58.1 rate (2700m) from stablemate Restrepo, who maintained a good three wide run from the rear over the final 900m.

By Jeff Scott

NELSON HRC, Sunday, January 11

J Scott The Inside Word

NELSON HRC, Sunday, January 11

Race 2: LOUIE FINN (11, Blair Orange), 2400m std: “Solid the first day but shame he’s drawn the second row. An each-way chance.”

Race 3: ZENA MAC (4, Wayne Higgs), mob. 2400m: “Beaten by the draw the first day. Should get her chance from the improved alley.”

Race 4: BETTOR LUCK (7, Mark), 2400m std: “Went alot better the first day. If he backs up, we should be a good each-way show.”

Hungry Fox !. Johnny Fox and Blair Orange, who sizzled over their last 800m in 54.9s and final 400m in 27.5s to win the Golden Edge Nelson Cup Prelude on Friday. They're looking to repeat in the Cup on Sunday.

Hungry Fox !. Johnny Fox and Blair Orange, who sizzled over their last 800m in 54.9s and final 400m in 27.5s to win the Golden Edge Nelson Cup Prelude on Friday. They’re looking to repeat in the Cup on Sunday.

Race 6: ZAKSPATROL (10, Blair Orange), 2400m std: “Appreciated the downgrade on Friday and looks a good each-way chance.”

Race 9: EASTBURN MARA (5, Mark), mob. 2400m: “Fought on ok the first day. With a trip he shouldn’t be too far away.”

Race 10: REKLAW SUPREME (3, Wayne Higgs) & JOHNNY FOX (7,
Blair Orange), 3, 10m, 3000m std: “Reklaw Supreme ran on good the last bit on Friday. Should have a place chance again with a similar trip.”

“It was a good effort by Johnny Fox to get up on Friday. Off the same mark, providing he backs up, he’s got to be hard to beat again.”

Race 11: ALL DELIGHT (2, Craig Thornley), mob. 2400m: “Fought hard the first day but had a tough run with no luck. As long as the first day run hasn’t knocked her, she’ll be an each-way chance.”

NELSON HRC, Friday, January 9

J Scott The Inside Word

NELSON HRC, Friday, January 9

Race 2: LOUIE FINN (1, Blair Orange), 2400m std: “Begins good and should be an each-way chance.”

Race 4: BETTOR LUCK (8, Mark), 2400m std: “Made mistakes on the Coast so looking for improvement.”

Race 6: ZAKSPATROL (12, Blair Orange), 2400m std: “Gets a downgrade and its harness plus, so with luck from the draw can feature.”

Eastburn Mara, consistent and has a chance of featuring again on the first day at Nelson on Friday.

Eastburn Mara, consistent and has a chance of featuring again on the first day at Nelson on Friday.

Race 7: EASTBURN MARA (11, Mark), mob. 2400m: “Is owned in the area and is consistent. With a good run through, he should have an each-way chance.”

Race 8: ZENA MAC (9, Wayne Higgs), mob. 2400m: “One that Wayne Higgs picked up and went good on the Coast. Drawn bad again but can win with the right luck.”

Race 10: REKLAW SUPREME (3, Wayne Higgs) & JOHNNY FOX (6, Blair Orange), 10m, 2400m std: “Ran on well when covered up in the Westport Cup, so a place chance with a similar run.”

“His wind seems alot better and was good fresh behind Mossdale Conner at Rangiora. He should have an each-way chance.”

Race 11: ALL DELIGHT (9, Craig Thornley), mob. 2400m: “Is consistent and is always a chance. Drawn bad but can still place.”

OAMARU HRC, Thursday, January 8

J Scott The Inside Word

OAMARU HRC, Thursday, January 8

Race 8: STRIKE ON COMMAND (10, Michelle Neilson), 2600m std: “With a good trip he’s an each-way chance.”

Race 10: FAIR DINKUM BROMAC (6, Kimberly Butt), mob. 2000m: “Didn’t have any luck on the Central (Otago) trip. From the front row and a good trip, we’re looking for improvement.”

 

WYNDHAM HRC @ Cromwell, Tues, Jan. 6

J Scott The Inside Word

WYNDHAM HRC @ CROMWELL (grass), Tuesday, January 6
Goodness Gracious Me, placed in her last three and should be hard to beat dropping to a C1 race at Cromwell today.

Goodness Gracious Me, placed in her last three and should be hard to beat dropping to a C1 race at Cromwell today.

Race 7: GOODNESS GRACIOUS ME (12, Kimberly Butt), mob. 1800m: “She’s dropped a grade after running third at Winton. She’s been close-up in the C2 grade her last three and they went 1:55 at Winton, so she’ll be hard to beat in a C1.”

Race 8: TWICE THE DELIGHT (10, Mark), 2600m std: “She’s alot better than she showed on Sunday. They did run a track record (2700m) and she’d had enough on the home turn. They shouldn’t go as hard in this and hopefully she’ll be better today.”

Race 11: KOWHAI SUNRISE (10, Mark), UR1, 20m, 2600m std: “She didn’t have much luck on Sunday when fourth. She’s in foal to Peak so hopefully can win another one with a bit of luck before she’s a broodmare.”

Outside drives

Race 3: STARLIGHT STARBRIGHT (9), 2600m std: “He battled away at Omakau but broke just after the finish when he’d had enough. Just an outside first 4 chance again if we get a good trip.”

Race 10: SAILING ON (2), mob. 1800m: “The A Stuart team is in form !. He’s a last start grass winner drawn two, so should be a good each-way show again.”