Raglan trainer Chris Webber reckons if Fleeting Grin can cop the Manawatu track then he can win his first $14,000 Palmerston North City Gold Cup at the Raceway tonight (Friday).
But he insisted 2500m mobile for the up to 90 rated pacers was not the main target for Fleeting Grin.
“He’s a better standing start horse but this is the only race I could get into him before the Hawera Cup in a fortnight. That’s a stand and his main goal prior to the Country Cups Final on Anzac Day.
“I don’t mind him drawing the second line because there’s not much between him and the type of horses he races against. Anyone of six or seven can win the race given luck in the running,” Webber said.
Fleeting Grin, who has drawn 10 of 10 (three on the second line) is the second highest rated pacer in the field with 75 – two behind first day winner Marshall Star, who has drawn six.
“He’s a pretty consistent horse but I think he is more suited to the grass, but in saying that he’s capable of surprising on the grit.
“He’s not a high speed pacer and that’s why he doesn’t go too good at Alexandra Park. If he can get one go at them he can win because he’s such an honest pacer,” Webber said.
Fleeting Grin hasn’t finished further back than sixth in his last 14 starts and his most recent form-line reads 3-4-2-2.
The 6-year-old Grinfromeartoear gelding was claimed by Webber for $6,000 off Craig and Josh Kennett at the Cambridge meeting on Christmas Eve.
“I’m working three and breaking one in on my own property at Raglan. I’ve got my own 650m track,” the 47-year-old Waikato horseman said.
Peter Ferguson will do the driving behind Fleeting Grin again because Webber said he opted to keep the same driver on when he claimed him.
“I like driving, but Peter is doing a good job with him. He also did a lot of driving for my father (Ken),” Webber said.
Fleeting Grin has raced 51 times for seven wins (five from a stand), 15 placings and he has banked just over $50,000 in stakes. One of those wins and six of those placings have come while being trained by Webber.
“I think Imajollywally will be the toughest for him to beat, but of the two I’m taking down to Palmerston North, he’s definitely my best winning chance,” Webber said.
The Webber trained Zara Brown has drawn the widest front row gate (7) in the third race – the $8,000 Bill Boyd & Associates Maiden Pace.
"She went well at Stratford two starts back and has raced at Manawatu before. She’s no star but she is capable of winning a race like that,” Webber said.
Webber has been training for four seasons and has trained five winners from 116 starters. Fleeting Grin provided him with his last victory at Cambridge Raceway on February 5.
He's also driven 28 winners from 776 starters since 1989.
Duane Ranger