By Michael Guerin
A determined Zac Butcher could be the driver to follow at Alexandra Park tonight and beyond.
Because the harness racing young gun says he is focussed for the new season, something his results already back up.
Butcher goes into tonight’s meeting second in the national premiership with five wins and two placings from just 14 drives and with some strong chances, headlined by Arden’s Choice in race eight.
Butcher had a mediocre season by his very high standards last term but says he wants to be more consistent this season so his early success has been important.
“I’m looking for a big season and Barry (Purdon, boss) has some nice horses here so I am looking forward to the months ahead,” says Butcher.
Arden’s Choice looks the best of his book tonight at a meeting with surprisingly big numbers for an Alexandra Park winter fixture.
“She has been racing really well and won well at the workouts last Saturday so she has to be a good chance,” said Butcher.
There is plenty of speed drawn inside the group one-placed mare but that could suit as the tempo should be solid, which brings her stamina into play.
On a night with few odds-on favourites, the best horse of show will need a new driver.
Open class trotter One Over Da Moon faces a 50m handicap in the main trot, with Brent Mangos sitting in for trainer Tony Herlihy, who is in Victoria putting the final touches on Temporale for Sunday’s Breeders Crown.
While it is never easy to overcame a 50m handicap at The Park, the small field and One Over Da Moon’s ability to trot around 3:26 for the 2700m should see him make it back to back victories.
Super Selector – By Matt Markham
Race 1: I Am The Greatest, Helen Shapiro, Bro Fawkes S, Demoiselle
Race 2: Step Up, Gotta Go Electobet, Concorde, He’s Novak
Race 3: Laredo Torpedo, Check In, Te Mahia, Accumulator
Race 4: Rariza, Lincoln’s Superstar, Poppy Drayton, Up All Nite
Race 5: Inkyroe, Saint Michel, Brookby Prince, Hot Chocolate Tart
Race 6: Bevan’s Cullen, Mr Euroman, Major Ben, Mo Casino
Race 7: One Over Da Moon, Harrysul, Majestic Ali, Cool Cobber
Race 8: Beyond The Silence, Arden’s Choice, Bettor Go Hurry, Bronze Over
Race 9: Snow Raker, Chrissie Jet, Emerson Margaret, Turnbulls
Race 10: Blood And Whiskey, Circus Boy, Opawa Speed, I Got Rhythm
Race 11: Runcle, Stars Delight, Elle Classique, Booming Jet
Best Bet: Snow Raker (Race 9)
Value: Bevan’s Cullen (Race 6)
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
