NZ HARNESS NEWS
A number of intriguing little battles await for those on the annual West Coast circuit when they roll into Reefton on Saturday for the final of three days’ worth of racing.
The race is still very much on for the popular West Coast Bonus which is awarded to the best performed horse over the three days of racing on the circuit, with points allocated for placings from first through to fourth.
The impressive Pats Dragon is the only horse to have won on both days of the meeting so far. The promising Greg and Nina Hope-trained runner cleared maidens impressively on Tuesday but made his second day assignment look even easier as he went up in grade. The four-year-old son of Ohoka Arizona won by four-and-a-half lengths in the hands of Ricky May, who also won earlier in the day with stablemate Asset Control.
With 10 points in the kitty, the ball is firmly in Pats Dragon’s court when he arrives at Reefton on Saturday.
Yesterday’s other big winners in the race for $5,000; Asset Control, Clarendon Falcon and Pay Me The Change sit next with eight points courtesy of also running second on the first day.
Close behind them is grass track toff Johnny Eyre, who made the most of some misfortune to My Wee Man in the feature event of the day to capitalise on a great run in transit and win for Mike Brown and Samantha Ottley.
He is joined on seven points by Midfrew Tarpediem, who ran third in the race won by Baileys Knight.
On six points, contenders include dual runners up, Scallywag Sam, Old Oak Ellie and Augusta, along with Baileys Knight who was very impressive for young trainer Jack Harrington.
Driven confidently by Dexter Dunn, the four-year-old worked to the lead and won comfortably – capping a decent day for Dunn after he won with Pay Me The Change.
Despite a double, Dunn still sits in second, three points behind Ricky May’s 30 points in the drivers’ competition, which carries a $2,500 prize with Jimmy Curtin in third on 24 points.
The same prize is up for grabs in the trainers’ division and it’s no surprise that Greg and Nina Hope lead the charge in that race with an impressive 33 points – 18 points clear of Kevin Townley with Jimmy Curtin, Carl Markham and Jack Harrington next on 13 points.
- NZ Harness News
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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