Eamon Maguire, who was desperately unlucky when beaten at Gore last Sunday, is a standout in race 8 at the Tuapeka Harness Racing Club meeting at Forbury Park this Sunday.
Eamon Maguire had won his three previous starts, two of them at Forbury Park. Dexter Dunn is back in the sulky of the Graeme Anderson-trained 3-year-old.
Eamon Maguire was checked and tangled after 300m at Gore, then recovered to lead at the 1400m.
He left stride again at the 300m when a hopple carrier strap broke. He was not comfortable but rallied to run Bettor Ops to half a head.
Anderson and Dunn, who teamed to win the Tuapeka Cup last year with Titan Banner, have Sovereign Banner, a fine prospect for the race on Sunday.
Sovereign Banner was not disgraced when run down by Robyn’s Bad Boy in a mobile 2200m at Gore.
He has won five of his six starts. Sovereign Banner is unruly for his first standing start race.
Robyn’s Bad Boy had won his previous start from a stand and has to be respected.
Stunin Dude, who won the Kurow Cup at Oamaru in August, is in contention.
He was freshened by trainer Paul Court after finishing second to Arden’s Concord at Oamaru at his last start on September 11. He finished second to Christopher Banner in a workout at Motukarara last Saturday. Stunin Dude has won at Forbury Park with Blair Orange his driver.
Captain Dolmio has not raced for five months but he has had four workouts in a fresh preparation, three in Southland and the most recent at Rangiora when a close third for John Dunn. A winner in a 1.56.1 mile rate for 2600m (mobile) at Addington in April, he could surprise.
Susies Desire confirmed a workout win in fast time when runner up to Pembrook Ideal at Forbury Park on Thursday night.
The Big Boss, who won twice from four starts last season, is ready to resume in race 9. He ran second to Tas Man Bromac (nine wins) in a workout at Invercargill on October 15.
Tayler Strong