By Duane Ranger
Dean Taylor is doing a ‘Carl Markham’ and as a result the latter could be saluting the judge for the first time in more than two years at the Marlborough Harness Racing Club’s meeting in Blenheim this afternoon (Friday).
Taylor has engaged Markham to drive Master Jordy and Shelly Ann at the two-race dual code meeting on the Waterlea grass track.
Markham’s last driving success came on his home track at Methven on December 8, 2013, behind the former mare he trained – Special Bella.
He would have driven more winners since then but has been generous and given a lot of his drives to his son, Jeremy – a promising junior driver who helps out Taylor at Ladbrooks.
“I’ve driven Master Jordy before on race-day – initially at the Methven trials. He goes all right, but it will be the first time I’ve driven the mare. She’s a nice horse too, but it’s not going to be easy from the second line.
“It’s really nice to be given a couple of outside drives. Dean’s a top man and a very good trainer. I’m really happy to be heading up to Blenheim early on Friday. Driving has always been a real passion of mine,” said Markham, whose wife Lyn will take their 6yo Love You trotter, Jean Sebastian to Ashburton to compete on Saturday.
If Markham can win one or both races, it will notch up his 63rd and 64th career victories.
Here’s what Markham had to say about his two drives:
Race 1: Master Jordy (3) – “He’s drawn well and we were only beaten a nose and a nose from a worse draw (10) at Motukarara (grass) earlier this month. That was a Canterbury good maiden field and this looks a bit easier for him. Patrick Bee will obviously be the toughest for Dean’s horse to beat. The harder they go the better he will like it. I’d say he’s my best winning chance of the two, especially from the draw.”
Race 2: Shelly Ann (13) – “She will need a bit of luck from that draw but she went well for sixth in a strong field last week at Addington (race winner Usain Bolt). If she can get some luck she’s certainly got the ability to go close. She won a race recently (Reefton grass in March) and her honesty could negate her bad draw. She can get some of it.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
