The last time popular Canterbury trainer/driver Jim Curtin ventured north to the mighty Manawatu Raceway was back in February of 2015.
He picked up a driving/training win with The Persuader, while he also saluted the judge with Miss Middleton for Palmerston North trainer Stephen Doody.
Curtin travels north with 1 stable runner Atchoo and while she has drawn badly she doesn’t appear the worst chance.
“We had to come north to find a suitable race for her; she’s not too good from the tapes. I thought she would be a good chance but it’s a hard draw so we are hoping for some luck” said Jim.
Interestingly enough, Curtin has driven 7 trebles at the Manawatu track, and he is a regular to salute the judge.
“7 trebles are pretty nice but I’ve had some luck on the track and hopefully it continues”
Jim also had a further 6 drives and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him salute the judge with any of them.
Jim Curtin & The Persuader winning at Manawatu back in February 2015.
Robert & John Dunn travel north with a strong team of 4 runners, which includes last start Forbury winner The Royal Garden and while the son of Mach Three climbs a grade for this assignment he slots in well and looks mighty tough to beat.
While earlier on in the night Mr Meddle, a 5yo Live Or Die gelding comes up with the plum draw, and looks the likely leader in an even C2 field.
He was only beaten 2.5l by Beyond Belief, which has since ran 2nd in a hard race. That form should make Mr Meddle a leading chance on both days of the meeting
The Royal Garden's last start win
Andrew Fitzgerald