By Duane Ranger
Stephen Argue insists he didn’t travel with his two mares the 480km from Pukekohe to Palmerston North just for them all to look at the Central North Island scenery on the way down.
“Even though they haven’t raced at Manawatu before I think they can both win and that’s why we made the trip. They are here for both days this week and I expect the pair to go close both today and Thursday,” Argue said.
Both Gotta Keepasecret and Precious Moment will be reined by Argue’s junior driving son, Robert, at Manawatu Raceway tonight. They will line up in races three and seven respectively.
Argue said he was encouraged by both mares who ran eye-catching last-start thirds at Cambridge Raceway on ANZAC Day.
Gotta Keepasecret drew 10 that night and was third last on markers (10th) at the 800m before being drawn six wide on the home turn.
The 4-year-old Gotta Go Cullect mare and Argue Jr then rocketed down the outside to get within two lengths of the winner, Some Change (David Butcher).
“I thought that run had next time written all over it. We’ve changed a bit of gear on her and also changed the way we train her.
“She’s always shown a bit of ability and I think that last run was the turning point. She’s drawn two this time and won’t have to cover any extra ground like she did last start,” Argue said.
Gotta Keepasecret has yet to start over tonight’s 2500m mobile, but last week’s 2200m mobile run from an awkward alley will put him in good stead for this $6,000 Manawatu Pace.
Argue thinks Precious Moment is an even better winning prospect in the $6,000 Central Energy Trust – Paul Claridge Electrical handicap for the R47 to R62 trotters.
Precious Moment will start from the 20m unruly back-mark. The 5-year-old daughter of The Pres, who is vying for her fifth win in 40 starts, is rated 61.
“She went huge last start and I think she will start favourite and then win,” said junior driver Argue.
His father agreed.
“She only needs to trot all the way to win and we placed her on the unruly just to keep her away from other horses. She got side-swiped at the start at Cambridge not long ago and I think she could think the same could happen again when she is in the field.
“It’s just a precaution. Robert will just trot her away cautiously and then let her run along the outside the fence. Then once they have negotiated the first turn he will look for a place in the running,” Argue said.
“We couldn’t be happier with her. She’s got her confidence back after not having much luck lately. I think the track will suit her down to the ground,” he added.
Precious Moment also drew 10 last start and got back on the inner before making up a lot of ground from the half to place hard in behind winner, Majestic One (Tony Cameron – j).
Argue said he would love to campaign Precious Moment at the New Zealand Cup Carnival in November.
“I think she would be competitive in a suitable race. Her lease runs out at the end of July and I’m hoping the owners might extend it so I can have my first starter at a Cup meeting and Robert his first drive.
“I really do think she is a nice mare. She will make a lovely broodmare one day. But for now I think she can win on one, if not on both days. Then it’s back to Cambridge to see if we can capitalise on that Club’s bonus for four wins on the track. She has currently won three (November 17, December 24, and December 30),” he said.
The Manawatu Harness Racing Club has attracted 75 horses for today’s eight-race meeting. Manawatu Raceway will also host the Wairarapa Harness Racing Club’s meeting tomorrow (Thursday).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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