By Mac Henry
Former Invercargill junior driver and qualified accountant Reon Tither left New Zealand in February 2010 for Bunbury in Western Australia.
He continued driving, picked up a group one at Gloucester Park, continued with accountancy, married Lara De Campo – they had a daughter in July – and on Friday will drive at Ascot Park.
He’ll have just the one, B D Windermere in the Steve Gooding Marine Handicap.
By Bettor’s Delight from Sheza Windermere, B D Windermere is raced by Reon’s parents Jack and Andrea and trained by Jack.
The last time Reon drove in New Zealand was at Wyndham in November 2012 and he won.
The horse involved was V C Windermere, by Washington V C and also out of Sheza Windermere. She was owned by Reon and his mother, and trained by his father.
B D Windermere drew wide from the gate and worked hard last time, when fourth at Wyndham within a length of the winner.
She is off the front from behind a tape this week and has been good from a stand in the past. Despite meeting some smart types, B D Windermere is a realistic hope.
A major opponent is Milligan from 10 metres behind. There is every chance he and Craig Ferguson will repeat their victory of a fortnight ago.
Back in October, Milligan finished second at the Tuapeka meeting for junior driver Jamie Campbell who is in his first season of driving.
That’s the closest Campbell has come in his seven drives.
He’ll have his eighth behind Milligan’s stablemate Annie Fitz in the McKnight and Brown Fillies and Mares Mobile.
Annie Fitz has been second in three of her past four starts making Campbell’s chances of landing his first win good, even from one on the second line and up against the likes of Pat Campbell.
In other races, Grey Power stands out as the only C3 runner in the C1 to C3 Fotosouth Photography Mobile Trot. The Toiler and Brent Barclay can win the www.southlandharness.co.nz Mobile Trot although there will be some nervous moments early.
Shezacheapy had her first start at Winton in 2013 and ran Gentle Western to a nose in 1:55 flat.
Although not always the most tractable, that initial talent hasn’t left her and after good efforts in both her runs this campaign, she is worth following in the Amtec Electrical Fillies and Mares Mobile.
Shezacheapy has drawn eight, one better than when she was second on a track a fortnight ago.
Costa Del Magnifico looks a top drive for Matt Anderson in the the Emberz Restaurant Junior Drivers Mobile with Popular and Brad Wlliamson a big threat from the ace.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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