One of the newest harness racing trainers on the New Zealand scene is Sam Smolenski who to date has only lined up three runners since taking out a trainers license late last season.
On Friday night at Addington Raceway, Sam has two runners engaged in the maiden mobile trot over 1950 metres.
Paris Princess, to be driven by Gavin Smith has drawn nicely at barrier five and although the form line may look a bit bleak, there is no doubting the ability.
The daughter of Diedre Don won a recent trial at Ashburton over 2400 metres in a smart 3:08.9 with terrific closing sectionals of 57.7 and 27.7 and if she was to bring that form to Addington tonight she would be incredibly hard to hold out.
Sams other runner is Gleneleven who has drawn barrier seven and is to be driven by Blair Orange.
A smart second on debut, Gleneleven looked out of sorts at his next start at Rangiora in the slush last Sunday, breaking early and again in the home straight which ended up in him being disqualified.
With the aid of the mobile the son of Monkey Bones rates as a big winning chance tonight.
Sam found it hard to separate the pair when speaking to Harnesslink earlier today.
" I am expecting a big run from both of them tonight and there is not that much between them at this stage."
" Paris Princess will really appreciate the mobile."
" She just doesn't concentrate when in standing starts but she will be fine behind the mobile and I would be surprised if she galloped tonight."
" Gleneleven had an issue in his neck at Rangiora, getting on one rein the whole way and that is why he broke."
" I have had him treated post race and his work this week has been great so I am expecting him to go a big race tonight."
"Long term I think Gleneleven will be the better of the two horses and I think he will go a fair way," Sam said.
With any kind of luck, Sam looks a big chance to have his first winner as a trainer in race 1 at Addington tonight.
Harnesslink Media