They’ve both won two races at Rangiora this season, but only one of either Thisismylastflight or Rocki Warrior can make it three in the past 12 months in today’s Rangiora Winter Cup.
The duo are two of only five horses who have won at Rangiora Harness Racing Club meetings this season and are joined by; Witheze, Donegal Carrickfin and Run To Hide – none of whom are racing at today’s final meeting for the season.
Tackling the $12,000 event today, the pair both have strong each way chances.
Rocki Warrior hasn’t been seen at the races since the end of January, but the Denise Ottley trained pacer looked ready to resume with a big run at his most recent trial where he incidentally beat, Thisismylastflight.
Three quarters of a length separated the pair and the big Washington VC gelding has the added advantage of drawing on the front line which suits his usually quick stand start manners.
The win would also give his driver, Sam Ottley a good chance to push for overall driving honours at the Rangiora Harness Racing Club meetings.
She’s driven seven winners at the club’s meetings, a tally bettered only by Ricky May (9) and Dexter Dunn (8). Gavin Smith is the other in contention with his seven winners as well.
The mother and daughter Ottley combination have a chance earlier in the day as well with OK I’m Bad who was third in that same trial won by Rocki Warrior.
Thisismylastflight hasn’t been seen other than that trial since running fourth to James Dean at Timaru at the start of the month, but the Steven McRae trained pacer has done a wonderful job in his short career.
The Panspacificflight gelding has a big motor and Craig Thornley may elect to unleash it today.
James Dean is a big chance in the Winter Cup based on his Timaru win for Leo O’Reilly while Cran Dalgety and Dexter Dunn have a strong chance from Alpha Rock.
Greg and Nina Hope and Robert Dunn, who both train out at Woodend Beach, head into the meeting with six winners from the Rangiora Harness Racing Club’s season with Terry and Glenys Chmiel their closest opposition with four wins.
Matt Markham’s Rangiora Selections
Race 1: Fiery Comet, Family Night, Sunrise Spur, Tehoro Nova
Race 2: Boomer, Out Of Aces, Bicton, Vyndetta
Race 3: Got A Beauty, Zakspatrol, Bevan’s Cullen, Northview Major
Race 4: Tara Tuatia, Spondulicks, Admiral, Dance N Jewel
Race 5: Shes’a Tricky Bridge, Eden Franco, Crackared, Sans Le Sou
Race 6: Run Boy Run, OK I’m Bad, Takitimu Express, Den’s Legacy
Race 7: James Dean, Alpha Rock, Rocki Warrior, Thisismlylastflight
Race 8: Ygritte, Diana Harbour, Cuddly Jess, Rocknpop
Race 9: Man Of Steel, Toll Gate, Take After Me, Ask Me Art
Best Bet: Fiery Comet (Race 1)
Value: Ygritte (Race 8)