By Duane Ranger
David Butcher is one of New Zealand’s very best reinsmen, not only because he’s had 2,102 winners, but because he also knows how to look after a horse.
That’s exactly what he did with one of the likely favourites for tonight’s (Thursday) feature pace at Cambridge Raceway – the $7,500 Waikato Master Plumbers Handicap for C2 and faster pacers.
Butcher drove the Geoff Small trained Major Change at Cambridge three weeks ago when he was having his first start for six months.
He finished fourth of 12 that night and was the second favourite.
“We drew nine that night and I took all the short-cuts – bearing in mind it was his first run for several months.
“He’s still on the way up and I won’t be flogging him this time either. He’s got a bit of talent, but he’s drawn 10 metres behind this time and there are some nice ones in the field,” Butcher said.
The Arna Donnelly trained 20-metre backmarkers of Hudy Haxwell and Armbro Courage will be hardest for Major Change to beat. Donnelly has opted to drive the latter.
The Geoff Small trained Sea MC (20m) hasn’t raced since July but loves Cambridge and usually goes well in a fresh state.
The trio have all won on the track, unlike Major Change, who has registered just one placing from four starts on the track.
“The fact that he hasn’t had a standing start either also concerns me, but he does show a bit of toe and if he can step from his handicap he can be in the hunt.
“It’s not going to be easy for him if he is slow away and gives the others a head-start. I think he can certainly place at least,” Butcher said.
“He’s quite handy,” he added.
Butcher has eight drives on Friday night and Major Change aside has four other winning prospects – Mokosun (race 2), Bute Boy (race 3), Reine Des Gitans (race 4) and Big Bad John (race 8).
The Ray Green trained Reine Des Gitans looks the pick of them.
The Love You mare was an impressive winner at Alexandra Park last start on October 9 and has been freshened nicely for this.
She is having her first look at Cambridge Raceway but her only win came over the same 2200m standing start distance.
The 4-year-old started from the front that night, but this time cops a 30m handicap.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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