by Duane Ranger
Primus Inter Pares didn’t handle the sticky track at Manawatu Raceway on Tuesday and can make amends on the second-day (Thursday evening).
That’s the opinion of 6-year-old’s Waikato-based co-trainer Ross Paynter. He said the brown gelding would also be better for Tuesday’s first up run in seven months.
“Scotty (Phelan) said he didn’t like the track on the first day which caused him to gallop. He’s got a bit of a motor but will have to trot all the way to win on Thursday.
“He’s way better than what he showed us on the first day,” said Payne who trains Primus Inter Pares with Sean McCaffrey at Cambridge.
The son of Dr Ronerail will start from 10m behind in the $8,000 Paul Claridge Electrical Handicap for the R50 and faster rated trotters. Primus Inter Pares is rated 60.
“He (Primus Inter Pares) only has to trot like he did at the Cambridge last Saturday. He went well good time that day. If he does things right he’s definitely the best of our four chances on Thursday,” Paynter said.
Primus Inter Pares finished second behind Lemond (30m) in a seven-horse up to R90 trot. He trotted the 2700m handicap from 30m behind in 3:33.4 (2:07.2) mile rate.
Toughest for him to beat tonight will be the R86-rated Master Monarchy who ran third from 45m behind on the first day. He gets the same handicap tonight.
Paynter also commented on the three other runners from his stable fronting tonight. Here’s what he had to say:
Race 2: Armabluechipboy (3) – “He raced good on first day. He lacks a little bit of gate speed. I just wish he could leave the gate a bit quicker. He’s an honest little horse who I think would be an each-way chance with trip.”
Race 6: Artanne (5) – “She’s a nice little filly but still has quite a lot to learn. With right run she will sprint on okay. Still got to get find some ring-craft but I liked the way she came home on the first day. If she’s on or near the pace she can win.”
Race 7: Spyda (4) – “He has good gait speed and if he gets to front without too much work he will be hard to beat especially on the tight Manawatu track. He’s also got a short sprint and the Manawatu home straight suits him nicely. He won well on the first day and can do so again but he will need to get to have own terms in front.”
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