By Matt Markham
Sheree Tomlinson offers up a wry smile when asked if she’s nervous ahead of today’s Dominion Handicap.
For an 18-year-old who is about to embark on attempt to win one of harness racing’s most prestigious races, her reply is sweetly succinct and to the point.
“Not yet, but I’m sure the nerves are coming,” she said.
The Southland based horsewoman, who hails from the racing rich breeding ground of West Melton, will drive Amaretto Sun in today’s Group One feature at Addington Raceway – driving in the colours of her grandfather, Ken Ford.
It’s a fairytale scenario, but unlike so many you see in racing leading into big races, there’s one big difference with Sheree and Amaretto Sun compared to others – they’re actually a serious chance of winning the race.
We use the term serious chance, when in all reality Monbet’s presence in the race probably makes it redundant, but funny things happen in horse racing all the time and if something was to happen to the raging hot favourite, then the young lass and her impressive horse could be Johnny-on-the-spot to make the most of the opportunity.
“Having Monbet there takes a bit of the pressure off I suppose, no one is expecting anything to beat him.
“That’s probably helping me a bit, but once I get there and get the colours I reckon the butterflies will kick in then.
“Mum (Amanda) is a nervous already, but she’s always a bit like that when I’m driving in any race, let alone a big one.”
One of the big movers in the trotting ranks this season, Amaretto Sun was as short as single figure odds to win the Dominion at one point, now he shares second favouritism with Australian raider Kyvalley Blur at a quote of $13.
Tomlinson has had the added bonus of being in Canterbury all week to take in the Cup Day action, which has also meant she’s been right on hand to work Amaretto Sun through all his final preparations.
“He’s been ticking along really well, we worked him this morning (Thursday) and just gave him the opportunity to follow a few horses out from the start because that’s what we are going to have to do from the draw and he did it perfectly.
“The draw isn’t ideal, but it is what it is so we will just have to make the most of it and hope the horse in front of us gets away cleanly.”
Amaretto Sun’s final serious hit out came on Sunday when he snuck up to the Methven trials for a run and was an impressive 10 length winner – albeit against opposition which doesn’t even sit in the same universe as what he will face this afternoon.
With the most stressful part of the preparation, winning 15 races so she could drive the horse in the Group One, Tomlinson plan is to enjoy the moment and hope for the best.
“It’s really exciting, and to be driving a family horse in such a big race is a real honour.”
And who knows, come the end of play this evening at Addington – the girl who just six months ago could probably only dream of driving in a race like the Dominion Handicap – might be front and centre on one of the biggest stages of Cup Week.
Super Selector – By Matt Markham
Race 1: Beg Hall, Benchmark, Kingdom Come, Dark Ops
Race 2: Bettor Enforce, Tact Rousey, Rakarolla, Dachy
Race 3: Le Reveur, Waterloo Sunset, Hey Yo, Le Lievre’s Gift
Race 4: Rocknroll Legend, Thisismylastflight, Michelangelo, Daylight Robbery
Race 5: Mighty Flying Major, Captain Dolmio, Usain Colt, Stroke Of Luck
Race 6: Classie Brigade, Chase The Dream, Brilliant Strike, Pulp Fiction
Race 7: Everybody Knows, Lothario, Blazing Under Fire, Donegal Bettorgretch
Race 8: Benicio, Gupta’s Cullen, The Fixer, Cullen Who
Race 9: Monbet, Amaretto Sun, Harriet Of Mot, Kyvalley Blur
Race 10: Expressive Victor, Better B Amazed, American Tart, Aliante
Race 11: Lazarus, Tiger Tara, Dream About Me, Christen Me
Race 12: Jack’s Legend, Vincent, Tachyon, Accumulator
Best Bet: Benicio (Race 8)
Value: Expressive Victor (Race 10)
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
