By Matt Markham
A three horse race, scheduled off the normal programme, is set to the be highlight of racing tonight at Addington.
Boom Harness Jewels winner, Heaven Rocks makes his return to the races tonight in a heat of the Australasian Breeders Crown and will lock horns with the promising Franco Cristiano in the 1950 metre mobile for three-year-old colts and geldings.
The clash is a mouth watering prospect with both horses still very much the untapped version.
Mistakes are still possible from both, but good manners will see a thrilling tussle from start to finish.
Tim Williams has been lumped with the task of handling Heaven Rocks in the heat with Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen not due back from their overseas holiday until later in the weekend.
Speaking during the week, Williams said he was looking forward to the chance to drive the exciting pacer.
“He’s got so much potential, I’m pleased to get the chance.
“We have to be a wee bit worried about it though because Franco Cristiano has the fitness on his side.”
After a lengthy spell due to injury, Franco Cristiano has been impressive winning his two runs back.
It began with a tradesman-like effort at Blenheim before he put all his class on the line to run down the more than capable GI Joe last time out.
Trained by Robert Dunn and handled by his son John, Franco Cristiano, just as Williams suggested will have the fitness but whether that’s enough will remain to be seen.
The third runner, Itz Risky Business, has already tasted success this week after winning at Forbury last night.
Whether or not the Mark Jones trained pacer will go around again won’t be known until this morning.
The other Breeders Crown heat tonight, for the three-year-old fillies will be contested by just two runners.
Glenferrie Classic, who also raced at Forbury last night, will go head-to-head with the Group One Luisanabelle Midfrew.
Tonight’s meeting at HQ will be very much about milestones.
Nathan Williamson, who has picked up the drive on Lusianabelle Midfrew is in line to drive his 100th winner for the season should she be successful.
Williamson has other strong chances with Gangnam Style, Monnay, Jeddy R Ya Ready and Madam Spur.
The latter three runners are trained by his father Phil and if two of them happen to win he will reach 500 training wins for his career.
Sam Ottley currently sits on 199 career wins and also has a few decent drives.
Her most hyped steer of the night will come on Whittaker – a debutant who goes around in race eight.
Known formerly as Tadpole’s Legacy, the son of Sportswriter was purchased by Greg Brodie and is now trained by Mark Jones after some impressive trial efforts at both Ashburton and Rangiora.
Jimmy Curtin is also staring down the barrel of a milestone as he sits on 1499 wins for his career.
The popular horseman has some strong hopes including; West Boyz, Soapbox and Millie’s Creek.
Super Selector – by Matt Markham
Race 1: Earthbound, Here We Go Again, Franco Caliph, As Kiwi As
Race 2: Hall Of Fame, Mr Mojito, Freedom Fighter, Mighty American
Race 3: Forgot To Remember, Westy Boyz, The Foot Tapper, Jeddy R Ya Ready
Race 4: Conon Bridge, Wilma’s Mate, Phil’s Gift, Monnay
Race 5: Gangnam Style, Pass The Speights, Concorde Dawn, Soapbox
Race 6: Shards Halo, Sans le Sou, Vera’s Delight, Going To California
Race 7: Smarter VC, Letspendanitetogetha, Hypervelocity, Shillelagh
Race 8: Stars Align, Whittaker, Hannah Extreme, Royal Jester
Race 9: Madam Spur, Hey Yo, B K Dawn, Cuddly Jess
Race 10: Articulight, Junior, Millie’s Creek, Happy Styx
Best Bet: Madam Spur (Race 9)
Each Way: Smarter VC (Race 7)
Longshot: Forgot To Remember (Race 3)
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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