Colleen Negus is very much in control of the New Zealand Amateur drivers Championship being held this weekend heading into the last day of racing today at Rangiora.
The amateur horsewoman picked up success in Friday night's one and only heat at Addington on board Eja Patron to give herself maximum points ahead of today’s two heats and with the plumb drive on Highland Reign today, she’s got a great opportunity to make it two wins for the series and, potentially, claim the overall title.
Alan Edge, who finished second in Friday night’s heat, may lead the charge for those trying to chase down Negus this afternoon with his two drives today both hailing from the stable of Bruce Negus who could clean sweep the series as a trainer with a number of chances.
Edge will drive Gerald in the opening heat today from a good draw which will see him a likely early leader with good gate speed and he then hops on board the in-form Living Legend in the second heat.
North Islanders, Cheree and Sheryl Wigg both have strong chances in the second heat of the day with Sheryl on Waihemo Art and Cheree on Gabby’s Delight, who should get a nice run on the markers.
Adam White has the drive on Take After Me in the second heat giving him a good chance to push for higher honours while Todd Woodward also has two strong drives for the day in That’s Bettor in the opening event and then Eastwood Cheiftain in the second.
Away from the amateur driving championship, the watch will be very much on Colin DeFillippi as he edges closer to that magical 2000 win mark in the sulky.
His victory on Hotdiggetycullen in Friday night at Addington took him to 1997 career NZ wins.
He has three chances today with the best of those the talented Cullen’s Joy who will be looking to go one better than the first up second at Oamaru last weekend in a talented-filled maiden event early on in the day.
He then has two each-way chance drives for Robbie Holmes to close out his day in Dragon Sun at Tehoro Dazzle, both of whom are good chances based on their best ability.
Super Selector – Matt Markham
1: #13 That’s Bettor, #2 Gerald, #3 Franco Calpih, #6 Caesar’s Quest
2: #4 Mr Farenheit, #10 Jerry Garcia, #9 Lord Roydon, #1 Kai Time
3: #1 Take After Me, #6 Highland Reign, #12 Pat Campbell, #11 Gabby’s Star
4: #5 Cullen’s Joy, #9 For The Corz, #15 Hot off The Press, #8 Come Dance With Me
5: #11 Missinemate, #5 Courageous Becqui, #9 Handsome Hero, #3 Just Ben
6: #1 Redwood Invasion, #14 Craddock, #12 He’s Like The Wind, #6 Sarah Palin
7: #5 Junkyard Mase, #12 Theboyslightup, #9 Save The Day, #6 Magical Mitch
8: #8 Oona, #2 Tehoro Dazzle, #13 All Settled Down, #12 Westar Bella
9: #4 Late Mail, #1 Rocknroll Magic, #8 Bevan’s Cullen, #6 Distinctive Del
10: #1 Hilarious Magic, #12 Ace High, #4 Bushido, #10 Novak
Best Bet: Hilarious Magic (Race 10)
Value: Missinmemate (Race 5)