A victory at Addington’s premier meeting on Friday night may have just been the start of a good weekend for Sam Smolenski.
The Weedons horseman will take a strong looking line up to Timaru today with three each way chances to follow on from the stunning victory in the Group Three Canterbury Park Trotting Cup of Sunny Ruby on Friday night.
With four wins on the board this season from just 23 starts, it’s been a solid start to the term for the young horseman off the back of a breakthrough debut season in the training ranks.
Today he holds strong chances with Don Pierre and last start winner Jonty James while Spinnaker could be an upset chance in an even looking line up late in the day.
Don Pierre will go around in the amateur driver’s event after a valiant effort to finish second behind Easy Rider last Sunday at Oamaru.
The former trotter has the services of well qualified reinsman Todd Woodward today which should see him given every opportunity to the grab the third win of his career.
Jonty James broke maidens at his sixth career start last Sunday at Motukarara and although arriving in the traditionally tough C1 grade the Real Desire four-year-old looks more than capable of going back to back.
“He’s got a few more wins left in him yet I think,” Smolenski said.
Dexter Dunn will continue his association with the pacer today and with good manners once again there is every chance they may look to dictate terms from the front of the field and make everything else try and run them down.
Spinnaker has been out of form so far this campaign but only returned to Smolenski’s stable after a stint with Graeme Anderson a few weeks ago.
Drawn to do not work from one of the second line today might be the day for the speedster to recapture her best form.
Smolenski will also have another strong hope on the float in Mikey Maguire who is trained by his grandfather, Fred Fletcher.
The Mach Three three-year-old was an impressive third last week on debut behind the very talented Yankee Tara.
Colin DeFilippi will take the drive on the gelding today in what looks a very winnable race based on the gelding’s debut effort.
Brent White, who won a Super Series Final with Lindsay Castleton on Friday night, will also be looking for a strong day on what is now, effectively, his home track.
He lines up debut runner, Trouble Giero who heads to the races unbeaten in two appearances.
Purchased from the stable of Michael Heenan after qualifying at Ashburton at his first time away from home the son of Great Success then won a grass track workout at Orari last weekend.
Expected to benefit from the experience, Trouble Giero has without doubt the talent to win on debut.
Stephen McNally will take the drive.
McNally is also on board White’s other runner for the day, Run To Hide.
A last start winner at Rangiora courtesy of an absolute peach of a drive from McNally, the well tried pacer seems to be enjoying life at Temuka and with the right run again will be a major player.
Super Selector – By Matt Markham
Race 1: Trouble Giero, Another Chapter, Shona Mary, Anse Vata
Race 2: Don Pierre, Waihemo Art, Onedin Highlander, Bettor Backim
Race 3: Likely Jereme, Fatima Siad, Linda’s Cullen, Nimisha Franco
Race 4: Beaudiene Delightful, Beautiful Mind, Maw Of A Woman, Delishka
Race 5: Black Regal Princess, Happy Heidi, Run To Hide, Ballymore Boy
Race 6: Mikey Maguire, Micky Flynn, Willedu, Cobra Banner
Race 7: Ella Abbe, Debaneyre, Solar Storm, Redwood Invasion
Race 8: Jonty James, Danny Del Vito, Hard Day’s Night, Precious Sara
Race 9: Hopes And Dreams, Mighty Empire, Gotta Del, Jewelz
Best Bet: Mikey Maguire (Race 6)
Value: Likely Jereme (Race 3)