Mitchell Kerr will play multiple roles at today’s Westport Trotting Club meeting.
The former successful junior driver, who is now trying his hand out at the training caper, will also be in charge of the driving duties for the Robert Dunn stable with John up in Auckland for tonight’s premier meeting.
Kerr will have two of his own runners engaged at the meeting, including the unbeaten three-year-old Forgotten Highway who still holds a nomination for the Group One New Zealand Derby.
The Bettor’s Delight gelding hasn’t raced since winning at Methven back in September but has looked very good in his workouts and trials ahead of his resumption today.
A big bonus too is the Methven victory which gives the indication that he should have no problems in handling the track at Patterson Park.
Kerr also have Supreme Banner engaged who, after a string of placings, looks a good chance to break the maiden status at either today’s meeting or at Reefton for the second day on Sunday.
From the Dunn stable he has three drives, Kotare Mist, Cimarron and Bevan’s Cullen.,
The latter will start in the Kawatiri Cup off a 20 metre handicap following on from a big win at Geraldine a fortnight ago and then a bold second behind Motu Premier at the Hororata meeting at Methven.
That form has been franked with Motu Premier then stepping out to win last weekend’s Cheviot Cup.
The back mark will make things difficult, especially with the racing pattern at Westport, but form carries horses a long way and Bevan’s Cullen is most definitely a horse in form.
Johnny Eyre, who won the Reefton Cup back in December and placed at Westport, will provide his biggest challenge considering his impeccable stand start manners and love of a grass track surface.
Clasina Maria is also highly credentialed on the green tops while Karanga Red Fantasy and Precious Sara are also noted grass track performers.
Super Selector – By Matt Markham
Race 1: Supreme Banner, Born Again Delight, Magic Blaze, Rainy River
Race 2: Westar Bella, Deva Jones, Majestic Moment, Tehoro Tease
Race 3: Motu Bettor Be Quick, Master Jordy, Lets Rock N Roll, Idealagain
Race 4: Rockon Styx, Scoob Operator, My Nikayla, Green Fingers
Race 5: Forgotten Highway, Garry’s Legacy, Lolita Franco, Markim
Race 6: Alantic, Take After Me, Shadow Rider, The Valiant
Race 7: Johnny Eyre, Bevan’s Cullen, Clasina Maria, Karanga Red Fantasy
Race 8: English Rose, Novak, Buckeye, Star In The Future
Race 9: Distinctive Del, Indie, Mogul, Midfrew Tarpediem
Race 10: Destiny Jones, Arditi, Tehoro Dazzle, Beg Hall
Best Bet: Forgotten Highway (Race 5)
Value: Alantic (Race 6)