14 June 2022 | HRNSW MEDIA | MICHAEL COURT
WITH 52 winners already in the ‘ bank’ this season, there is a simple reason why Menangle trainer KerryAnn Morris is the leading trainer in NSW at the moment.
It’s her square-gaiters that are making the difference.
Even with their star trotter Funky Monkey in the paddock, Morris has continued to steadily build a more-than-handy team of trotters and four of them will be in action in the first two races at Tabcorp Park Menangle today.
And while KerryAnn’s husband Robbie usually gets the pick of the stable’s drives, he knows who’ll be his toughest opponent when he takes to the track.
“My wife, she won’t give me an inch once we’re out there,” grins Robbie, who will drive $2 favourite Strength Of Heart in the opening race.
Yet Strength Of Heart is yet to register a win in 10 starts since arriving from New Zealand to join their team.
The same cannot be said for plucky mare Queen Of Strathfield, who has her 51st start today and can boast two Menangle and two Goulburn wins since joining the team at Lucky Lodge.
And all four of those wins have been in mobile starts and going on her close third at Menangle three starts back, Robbie will again be looking over his shoulder wondering when KerryAnn was going to hit the ‘ go’ button and challenge Strength Of Heart in the straight the final time.
Harness racing’s power couple will want a repeat performance in Race 2 today although the ‘other’ premier square-gaiting trainer, Blake Fitzpatrick, may well have something to say about that.
Blake will partner the polemarker and favourite, Lindys Love, a classy filly who is chasing a hat-trick of Menangle wins and looking to remain unbeaten this preparation.
Fitzpatrick thought enough of Lindys Love to send her to Victoria to contest the Breeders Crown last season and she looks to be a trotter heading places.
Still Robbie Morris will drive the consistent Agent Maori, drawn right beside them in gate two while KerryAnn will be aboard outsider Don’t Touch This, a Menangle winner at double-figure odds three starts back and with enough gate speed to have a shot at leading all the way today.
Team Morris also has a couple of chances in the pacing events with Im Bills Last ($9) in Race 3 and stable newcomer Jogalong Coop ($9) in Race 6.
Jogalong Coop had his first start for the team last week but broke after the start and finished tailed off.
The iForm best bets for Tuesday:
Menangle best bet
Race 3: A Real Gentleman (4)
Tidy performance down the back here last and could have their measure despite being two-year-old.
Menangle next best
Race 5: Orchid Stride (3)
Can be prominent much sharper at his past couple.
Around the tracks
Wagga best bet
Race 4: Shes A Caribbean (4)
Made an error last time but can lead here and make amends.
Play the exotics
The Menangle quaddie
Race 5: 3-1-4-6
Race 6: 1-4-3
Race 7: 7-8-5-3-1
Race 8: 1-6-9-2
$120 for 50%
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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