When southern race caller Dave McDonald was asked who would win the 'Thanks Davey Mac for 40 Years' Mobile Pace at Invercargill on Saturday, the answer was swift.
“The favourite of course, Sovereign Banner,” he said, and for value, “Leah Mac, how could I not.”
The race is named to acknowledge 40 years of service since McDonald called his first harness race at Invercargill. To make the day memorable, the Racing Board has organised a party in conjunction with the races and given the commentator a say in the guest list.
McDonald said he can't actually remember his first day or how he came to be asked but at that time had been regularly calling harness trials.
Sovereign Banner is trained at Westwood Beach south of Dunedin by Graeme Anderson who has six runners in on Saturday. All of them look good chances.
His first is Motu Time To Shine on debut in the Macca Lodge Fillies and Mares Mobile. Her two most recent trials resulted in seconds to stablemates Eamon Maguire at Gore and Susies Desire at Oamaru. Susies Desire was to have opposed her on Sunday but has been off colour this week with a viral complaint and is a scratching.
“ Motu Time To Shine is a little bit immature and probably a preparation away but she's done enough to warrant a race,” said Anderson who expects her to be competitive, especially if the Bettor's Delight raceday factor kicks in.
The Gazelle by southernsulkies.co.nz Claimers sees Anderson with two reps. The C2 Elusive Flight – with a price of $7500 – goes from the outside of the front line with Rory McIlwrick in the sulky while the C1 Highview Illusion – with a price of $6000 – has the services of Dexter Dunn and starts from two on the second line.
“Elusive Flight has been freshened and should go a nice race,” said Anderson who from the draw, favours the eight year old over Highview Illusion. “I like Highview Illusion too, he's trained well, no star but in a race he can be competitive in.”
Anderson and Dunn combine again in the Lincoln Farms Mobile with the unbeaten Eamon Mcguire. The Art Major three year old, a winner at Forbuy Park on debut in July, will start from the outside of the front row. Eamon Mcguire has had a trials win at Gore and a second to Sovereign Banner in the past three weeks.
“He is a quality horse and I would expect him to win.” Anderson said.
McDonald's tip, Sovereign Banner is next and Anderson shares his confidence.
“He had a break after his first prep and has come back strongly. He'll be hard to beat.”
Sovereign Banner clocked 2:27.5 when winning at the Oamaru trials last week, home from the 800 in 56.9.
The well-related Hopes And Dreams has the ace draw in the Betavet Mobile and the services of McIlwrick who currently heads the national junior drivers premiership with six wins. Anderson expects a top run from the daughter of One Dream.
“She's over her stone bruise and I'm happy with her,” he said. “She's in great form and should be hard to beat.”
Mac Henry