NZ HARNESS NEWS
Oamaru trainer Colin McKay hoped the big grass track of Cromwell would play a part in some form of success for his small team of trotters over the holiday period and as the end of the Central Otago circuit approaches, it’s a case of so far so good.
McKay has been based at the Cromwell track since the 21st of December and his seven-year-old trotter, Playboy’s Brother has thrived on the change of environment.
After a front-running, track record-breaking victory at Omakau on Tuesday, the son of Monkey Bones was back in the action at Roxburgh to make it two wins in three days.
“I’m going to say he’s relished being on the Cromwell track,” McKay said.
“But that’s because I can’t think of anything else that might have made him click this week.”
Prior to Omakau, Playboy’s Brother had won five and placed twice from 66 starts – but his career record didn’t show the full picture of the gelding’s ability with some late gallops stopping him from having a far better line of statistics.
“He’s been a head-scratcher at times, and a little frustrating I guess you could say.
“But the ability has always been there, that’s for sure.”
McKay, who bred and also owns Playboy’s Brother, said the handicapping system meant that hopefully the fun was far from being over.
A Rating 55 before the Roxburgh win, he should still find himself in the low 60’s once the handicapper has finished his assessment which means he will effectively stay racing the same horses.
“It’s a perfect system for a horse like him and as long as he isn’t too heavily penalised, I think he will still be off the front at Cromwell on Saturday so hopefully we might not be finished with the fun yet.”
After being driven by Dexter Dunn to win at Omakau, Brad Williamson stepped into the familiar yellow colours of McKay on Thursday and delivered a peach of a drive.
After finding a trail on a hot pace early he was able to gain clear air on the final bend before bursting away to win by a comfortable margin.
Most significantly, however, was the drivers of the minor prizes with Brad’s brothers, Matty and Nathan filling the next two spots for a family trifecta.
McKay will not only have Playboy’s Brother in action on Saturday at home base, but he will also line up Gorilla Playboy, who he thinks won’t be the worst chance after a good run at Winton on New Year’s Eve.
“He might be able to surprise a few,” he said.
NZ Harness News
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