By Mac Henry
Invercargill trainer Brent Shirley reckons the start to Thursday’s House of Travel Lakers Summer Cup will be crucial.
His stable star Costa Del Magnifico goes from 50 metres while biggest threat The Big Boss goes off 20. Winner of four from nine, former free legged pacer The Big Boss is classy at best but an early break in the Gore Cup proved terminal to his chances. Shirley’s runner would be the major benefactor of a repeat.
“Fifty metres is a big ask, the start will decide,” Shirley said, “my horse is at the right stage but still lacks raceday fitness.”
On his home track, the risk associated with The Big Boss might be worth it.
Others to consider on the twilight card are:
1 – Shane Matheson Crutching/Mark Jones Racing Stables Trot:
Starlight Invasion hasn’t fulfilled the promise she showed back in 2012 and was abysmal in the slush at Roxburgh. But she has won five races when most of the field have won none and first time back in an ordinary C0C1 line-up can get some of it.
2 – Balfour Tavern Mobile:
Swap Over hasn’t had a lot of good fortune of late and is helped by the conditions of the race which preclude recent placegetters. From five off the front he looks a top winning chance.
3 – Kubala Seeds Ltd/Robert Wilson Racing Stables Mobile:
Don Sebastion has been on fire since joining Des Baynes this season and is improving. He gives Kimberley Butt a great chance of taking out the first race for juniors.
4 – Mossdale Three Year Old Fillies Mobile:
The Tuapeka Lodge-bred Bonnie Joan was dominant at Timaru after going from a front line draw and getting a cosy trail for most of the trip. It will be a different story from the outside of the front line and up against some speedy types, but in a small field she looks capable of overcoming the barrier.
5 – Grinaldi Lodge/Gordon Sutherland Memorial Trot:
Grace O’Malley has been competitive of late in stronger fields than the C1 she meets on Thursday. Despite the Williamson presence, a place has to be found for the three-win mare.
6 – Omalass-The New Dried Molasses Mobile:
In the most competitive race of the day, the front line draw of Omakau runner up Magicol Delight and the Dexter Dunn factor could be telling.
7 – McMillans Feeds At Farmlands Mobile:
Milehigh Magic hasn’t got a good mobile record but is too capable on his day to be ignored.
9 – Northern Tavern/Southland S.B.A. Mobile:
In a race chock full of chances, the run of Dancing In the Dark in the Equine Stakes suggests she is the one to beat.
10 – Murray Brown Racing Stables/BMac Sheetmetal Mobile:
From two off the gate and with the services of Nathan Purdon, Betta Go Fernco could present value in the last.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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