REINSMAN Chris Geary is enjoying the best season of his short career. The 18-year-old is in his second full season of driving and brought up his 100th winner for the current term at Goulburn on Monday afternoon. With the best part of three months remaining, Geary is aiming to remain in the state’s top three leading drivers.
While not aiming to drive 100 winners during the season, Geary admitted it may have become too much of a focus for him in the past fortnight.
“I didn’t start the year wanting to drive 100 winners but when I started to get closer to it I think I put a little bit too much pressure on myself and maybe tried too hard but I’m relieved that I can put that behind me now.”
Geary has a strong book of drives going into Saturday night’s meeting at Tabcorp Park Menangle and although he doesn’t have a standout hope, he believes most have a realistic chance.
“Ask Me Mach in the third has been going really well, there was just too much speed in the race last time and she actually hit the line really well despite being well beaten. Her form is better than it reads on paper.
“I think she’ll settle closer on Saturday night and if that is the case I think she has a good each way hope in that race.”
The Kevin Hayes trained Miss Artistic Tara is Geary’s drive in the fourth event.
“I thought her run last start was really good, I didn’t drive her but she got caught outside the leader and battled it out right to the line. I thought she might be able to find the front and if she does she is another one that should be right in the finish.
“I like to do the form on the horses I haven’t driven previously or if a new horse comes to the area but I also like to keep an eye on which driver is driving each horse.”
Geary’s association will continue with trainer Darren McCall in the feature race as he will drive Sevens Hope for the Menangle horseman in the Group 3 Mount Eden Stakes.
“The horse had a really hard run on Tuesday but that doesn’t worry him too much because he normally thrives off a run like that. I’m more concerned by the step up in class, he is a handy horse but has bumped into some very nice horses.”
Trainer David Aiken will provide Geary with his final two drives of the night, Composed in race seven and Peking Duck in the last.
“Composed looks really well placed in the claiming race and despite the wide draw I think he can be a very good chance. If he goes forward and is able to find a good spot I think the race looks very suitable for him.”
“Peking Duck is my best chance of the night though. He is a bit one-dimensional but I think he should lead and if he repeats what he did last time out then he will go close.”
Without the support of a leading stable, Geary’s efforts this season have been very impressive.
“I work for Belinda and Luke (McCarthy) and they are very understanding if I have to travel away to drive in races and they have also given me plenty of drives too. Darren McCall has also given me a number of opportunities in the last few months and they have helped me as well.
“However the majority of my drives come from smaller stables and I would like to thank all of the owners and trainers that have given me the chance this season. I’m really enjoying everything and I think my results show that.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
