Harness Scene Archives

ROGERSON/SIMPSON TEAM RUNS WELL AT CAMBRIDGE WORKOUTS

Saturday morning at Cambridge Raceway and thirty eight horses started in the workouts, and some good sectionals were run during the morning.

The training partnership of Graeme Rogerson and Peter Simpson had some runners who put in good solid runs.

In the two and three year old mobile pace over 1700 metres, they lined up Long May He Reign(2g Julius Caesar-Astro Reign). Driven by Peter Ferguson, he came home well in front of the other two runners, winning in a time of 2.10.2, the last 800 in 58.9, the last 400 in 29.1. The gelding has yet to trial.

In the second non winners pace over 2200 metres, Carlos (4g Christian Cullen-Precious Vance) from the same stable, came home well for driver Simon Lawson . Time for the race was 2.46.6, the last 800 in 59.4, the last 400 in 29.9. Carlos has not raced since New Year.

And again in the two to four win pace over 2700 metres , again from the Rogerson/Simpson barn Top Tempo (4m In The Pocket –Kliklite ) came home three lengths clear of Geoffrey Clement in 2.49, the 800 in 57.6, the 400 in 28.2. Top Tempo has also been out for a couple of months and starts fresh on Thursday night at Cambridge where she has drawn four in a 2200 metre pace with a three to four win front.

Then once again in the two to six win trot, Cornishman (8g Armbro Invasion-Merrijigs) took out the heat three lengths clear of the Nicky Chilcott trained Jewel qualifier, Alien Waits. Cornishman went from the 20metre mark, Alien Waits from the 10. Time for the heat was 3.37.5, the last 800 in 59.4, the last 400 in 29.3. Cornishman who had his first start for the Rogerson barn at Auckland in November where he ran eigth lines up on Thursday night also. Cornishman is a six win horse who comes north from the stable of Roger Marshall at Christchurch.

In the other maiden 2200 metre pace of the morning, Aslan (2c McArdle-Jeneva ) trained by Mike Berger, came home a head in front of the Todd Mitchell trained, Outback Jack (3g Falcon’s Icon-Champelle) Time for the heat was 2.52.4, with the last 800 in 59.6, the last 400 in 29.3. Both these horses make their racing debut in the same race on Thursday evening, with Outback Jack getting the better draw at one and Aslan at eleven.

The two year old trot over a mile, had two starters, John Dickie’s filly (Dream Vacation-Catherine the Great) came home half a length in front of Muscle and Power (Muscles Yankee-Royal Heights) Rogerson/Simpson, in a time of 2.07.4, the last 800 in 60.2, the last 400 in 28.6. Both horses line up in the first race at Cambridge, the NRM Sires Stakes heat over 2200 metres. Great Getaway is currently holding second place on the two year old trotters list for the Harness Jewels in May, behind Pocaro.

BATTLE BEGINS FOR TWO VERY GOOD TROTTERS

The first part of a battle between two very talented three year old trotters was played out at the Saturday morning workouts at Cambridge Raceway, and although the two participants raced in different heats, they both won impressively and were both in preparation for the same race, the $75,000 Group One Trotting Derby at Addington, Christchurch on 28th March.

Sovereignty (3g Monarchy-Lockerup) trained by Sean Mc Caffrey, and owned by Charlie and Annette Hunter, which has now had seven race starts for five wins, started in the maiden pacing heat in order to obtain mobile start practice,.

Real Deal Yankee (3g Dream Vacation-Catherine The Great), trained by John Dickie took out the one two seven win trot stylishly. Real Deal Yankee, who is raced by John along with Joe Neems, Eddie, Jack and Bruce Davies, was bred by John, and is a half brother to Last Sunset, the very good group one winner who John also trained. Real Deal Yankee has now won five races from eleven starts, including the Group Three Hambletonian Classic at Ashburton last month.

Following the Trotting Derby there are a number of Group and Listed Races coming up for three year old trotters during April and May, including the Group Two Sires’ Stakes Trotters Championship, and the Group One Great Northern Derby, at Alexandra Park and the Listed Cambridge Trotting Stakes. Whether either Sovereignty or Real Deal Yankee will start in these is yet to be decided.

Then on Saturday 31st May at Cambridge, the second running of the $1,500,000 Harness Jewels Day takes place at Cambridge Raceway. Both Sovereignty and Real Deal Yankee are at present in first and second place respectively on the list of qualifiers for the three year old trotters heat. Qualification for this day is dependant on stakes won over the last season with cut off day being 19th May.

Altogether it has been a very satisfying week for John Dickie, on Tuesday he won the non-tote two year old mobile trot at the Kumeu Trotting Club Meeting, at Alexandra Park, Auckland, with Great Get Away (2f Dream Vacation-Catherine The Great) The filly who is a full sister to Real Deal Yankee was having her second race start, she was second in her first start at Auckland last month. Driven by Toss Mitchell, she won comfortably by fifteen lengths in a time of 2.14.4. The win sees Great Get Away go straight to second placing on the list for Harness Jewels qualifiers in the two year old trotters section.

The filly is owned by John along with his business partner, Richard Bright, who together own the Clubhouse Sportsbar at the Cambridge Raceway, which was also the sponsor of Tuesday’s race.

At the Auckland Trotting Club’s meeting on Friday night, John took out the four year old and older one win junior drivers pace over 2200 metres, with Knight Jasper (5g Knight Jasper-Kind Matar). Driven by Gary Gillies, he sat in the trail, taking the passing lane and putting in a huge effort in the straight to win by a head in a close finish with Jazz Bromac in a time of 2.45.0. Knight Jasper was 6/7 in the betting and paid a very nice dividend of $18.50 and $4.40.

The horse is part owned by the Clubhouse Sports Bar Syndicate along with Basil Blackwell

Other local winners over the last week were Lucky Veelo (3f Falcon Seelster-Vance Vegan) having her second race start, won the maiden fillies and mares 1700 metre pace at the Kumeu Meeting on Tuesday. Time for the race was a very good 2.05.5, a mile rate of 1.58.7. The win followed up good workout form at Cambridge over the last weeks. Lucky Veelo is trained by Mike Berger and was driven by Phillip Butcher.

Nicky Chilcott trained and drove a nice winner at Auckland on Friday night in O’Sheas (7g Il Vicolo-Sure Lobell) in the two or more win handicap trot over 2700 metres. O’Sheas has now had two wins since coming to Nicky late last year from the Bruce Negus stable in Canterbury. The gelding went away well from the stand, sat parked, getting cover in the middle stages, was pulled out and went to the lead 500 metres from home, proving too strong in the straight.

Other horses to go well at the workouts were the David Odlum trained Presidential Belle (4m Presidential Belle-Nuclear Atom who won the up to seven win pace over 2200 metres in 2.49.0, the last 800 in 58.7, the 400 in 29.8. The mare last raced in December.

Allclout (4g Lotsa Clout-Platinum Miss) trained by Gordon Newberry put in a big run to win the one win pace over 220 metres in a time of 2.51.4.

Arna Donnelly drove the Ray Bradley trained Supper Waltz Wilson to win the maiden trot over 2200 metresin 3.06.7.

Races again at Cambridge Raceway this Thursday evening 20th March. Come along for an excellent nights entertainment.

WORLD OF DREAMS STORMS HOME IN FILLIES RACE

A local Cambridge runner gave an impressive performance in the 1700 metre listed race for two year old fillies at the Auckland Cup Meeting, at Alexandra Park, Auckland, on Friday night.

Having just it’s second race start for trainer Kevin Shaw, World of Dreams (Dream Away-Lost Traveller), driven by Maurice McKendry, came from well back at the top of the home straight and made an enormous run, blitzing the opposition in a time of 2.05.4, the last 800 in 59.0, the last 400 in 28.7, a mile rate of 1.58.6.

Kevin bred the filly and races it together with his wife Cathie. He also trained the dam Lost Traveller (Road Machine-Show Me The Way) who won six races. World Of Dreams is her first foal. The win has qualified the filly for the Harness Jewels in May, the stake taking her to second place on the list of eligible two year old fillies.

SOVEREIGNTY CONTINUES HIS WINNING FORM

Talented Cambridge trotter Sovereignty (3year old gelding Monarchy-Lockerup), took his fifth career win comfortably, on Auckland Trotting Club’s Derby Night Meeting at Alexandra Park, Auckland, on Friday night, in the one to three win discretionary trot over 2700 metres, The gelding has now had seven race starts for five wins and a second. Trained by Sean McCaffrey and driven by Maurice McKendry, Sovereignty was well back early in the race, going forward a lap from home, and at the 800 mark sat parked outside Kasyanov, the Luk Chin trained runner, driven by Phillip Butcher. These two drew away from the bunch and fought it out down the home straight, with Sovereignty proving too strong, taking the win by ¾ length in a time of 3.32.0.

Trainer Sean McCaffrey says exactly where the gelding goes from here is not yet set in stone, but with both the Trotting Derby and the Trotting Stakes coming up over the next few months he will be looking towards those with owner, Charlie Hunter, and then to the Harness Jewels at Cambridge on the 31st May. Sovereignty is currently leading the list of contenders for the three year old trotting heat of the Jewels.

Other racing during the week included the two day meeting at Manawatu which was attended by a number of local trainers. Those to have wins on the first day, were Colin Butler with Sevarg (3g Courage Under Fire-Fenella Franco) who won a maiden pace over 2000 metres in 2.25.5, a mile rate of 1.57. Peter Ferguson drove Shirley (3f Mach Three-All Our Smiles) to a win in the maiden fillies and mares pace over 2500 metres. The filly who is trained by Murray Logan and was having her first race start, was favourite for the race after winning at the workouts the previous Saturday. Time for the race was 3.18.3. The Mike Berger trainer It’s OK Flyin (5m Sands A Flyin-It’s OK Kamwood) won well in the one win 2000metre pace in a time of 2.29.4, a mile rate of 2.00. It’s OK Flyin also won at last weeks workouts.

On the second day John and David Butcher won with Cosmic Blackie (4g Presidential Ball-Executive Motoring). He was driven by David and won in a time of 3.12.6. Two Morrinsville trainers had wins, Tony Shaw won the maiden trot over 2500 metres with Garden In The Sun(5m Sundon-Repent in Eden) in a time of 3.22.1.driven by Peter Ferguson, and Jason Teaz won the three or more win handicap trot very impressively with Cool Story ( 8g Armbro Invasion-Cool Store).He won in a time of 3.14.5. Arna Donnelly did the driving.

Cambridge reinsman Peter Ferguson had a very successful week, and didn’t leave much for the other driver, reining home eight winning drives over the two meetings at Manawatu, and also driving a winner at Auckland between meetings.

The weather was showery for the workouts at Cambridge Raceway on Saturday morning. Both learners heats for the pacers were won by Todd Mitchell trained and driven horses, Keystone Copper (4g Armbro Operative-Keystone Nicola ) and Angsana (3f Pacific Rocket-Here She Comes). They both won their heats comfortably, two lengths in front of the opposition.

Lucky Veelo (3f Falcon Seelster-Vance Vegan) trained by Mike Berger and Mysonmylad (5g Sands A Flyin-Miss August Moon) trained by Carolyn Cox won their respective maiden 2200metre pacing heats.

Miss Sharvid (7m Sharvid Adios-Eileen Rose) won the up to five win pace in 2.56.6. The mare is trained by Nicola Chilcott.

The non winners trot over 2200metres was won again this week by the Ray Bradley trained Supper Waltz Wilson (3g Dr Ronerail-Breanoram) in a time of 3.04.

The Auckland Trotting Club is to hold their premier Auckland Trotting Cup meeting this Friday evening at Alexandra Park. Local horses lining up in the cup meeting are Bachelorette who is trained at Cambridge by David Kaa, and Mi Muchacho who is trained at Morrinsville by Richard Anderson. Both horses have drawn well for the race.

Kidz Kartz is all set to steal the show on Wednesday 5th February - Auckland Galloping Cup Day. Tamati Coffey, the TV One “Breakfast” weatherman is all set to provide weather coverage from Alexandra Park in the run-up to the Auckland Pony Cup.

Tamati will be on air with the children gearing up the ponies and will also drive one of the ponies down the straight. During the morning Tamiti will talk about the upcoming Trillian Trust Auckland Cup as well as the Auckland Pony Cup.

Tune in to TV One for the live broadcast as it is sure to be a blast, it is great to see harness racing getting prime time mainstream TV coverage, especially in this busy week of racing.

Time of coverage:

6.40am – Kids and ponies - grooming

7.10am – Gearing Up

7.40am – Racing down the straight (Tamati and kids)

8.10am – Discussing Auckland and Pony Cups

8.40am – More coverage of Kids Kartz.

SATURDAY WORKOUTS AT CAMBRIDGE

Twenty eight horses took part in the Saturday workouts at Cambridge Raceway this week. In the up to one win mobile pace over 2200 metres, the winner was the trotter, Sovereignty, trained by Sean Mc Caffrey, who was in the race to get practice behind the mobile. Sovereignty (3yr old gelding Monarchy-Lockerup) who is owned by Charlie Hunter and his wife Annette and has had six race starts for four wins and one second. He came home in 2.52.9, the last 800 in 60.2, the last 400 in 27.9.

The Arna Donnelly trained Rock With Me (5m Pacific Rocket-Let Me Go) won the two to three win pace over 2200 metres driven by Nicky Chilcott. Time for the heat was 2.52.7, the last 800 in 58.5, the last 400 in 28.3. Rock With Me won her first start for Arna in April of last year (she was previously trained in Southland) and has been spelled since July.

The two year old mobile pace over 1700 metres was taken out by the Kevin Shaw trained and driven World Of Dreams (2f Dream Away- Lost Traveller) in 2.11.0, the last 800 in 60.5, the last 400 in 28.5. The filly who was bred by Kevin and his wife Cathie, qualified last month and has her first race at Auckland this Friday evening.

Psychedelic Rose (9m Armbro Invasion- Adaria’s Rose) who has recently gone from trainer David Kaa to Wayne Anstis, came home three lengths in front of Earleen Castleton and Warren Taylor in the up to five win trot over 2700 metres in 3.37.3, the last 800 in 63.5, the last 400 in 31.9. She was driven by Phillip Butcher.

REAL DEAL YANKEE TAKES THE HAMBLETONIAN

It was with great satisfaction that Cambridge trainer John Dickie watched Real Deal Yankee (3yr old gelding DreamVacation-Catherine The Great) come home to take out the Hambletonian Classic, a $30,000 Group Three mobile mile for three year old trotters, at Ashburton Raceway on Saturday.

John bred Real Deal Yankee who is a half brother to Sunset Star, by Sundon, who John bred and trained with much success, winning eighteen races for him including the Group One Trotters Free For All at Addington in 2001. He is raced by John, in partnership with Joe Neems, Eddie Davies and his brothers Bruce and Jack Davies.

Since beginning his racing career a year ago Real Deal Yankee has had eleven race starts for five wins and two second placings and was the top qualifier in his class in May last year for the inaugural running of the Harness Jewels in Ashburton where he began favourite, but unfortunately made a mistake at the start and lost all chance. He is at the moment leading qualifier for this year’s three year old trotters heat in the Harness Jewels to be held at Cambridge on 31st May, slightly ahead of another Cambridge trotter, Sovereignty.

On Saturday, driven by his regular driver, Todd Mitchell, Real Deal Yankee flew out from the mobile and went to the lead, handing up at the 800 metres to Heza Brite Native, before challenging again at the top of the home straight , taking back the lead and holding off the challengers to win decisively in 1.58.7.

John also has a very promising two year old full sister to Real Deal Yankee in work, she is Great Getaway who has won two trials to date. John is racing her with business partner Richard Bright.

There were a number of local winners at the Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Club’s meeting at Cambridge on Thursday evening Bukima, (4 yr old gelding Pacific Rocket-Smooth Nedra) trained by Dane Alexandra at Ohaupo, and owned by his wife Margaret, took out the maiden 2200 metre pace for the boys, driven confidently by Nicky Chilcott, to win decisively in 2.46.5.

Nicky also had a training win with Dakota Kid a promising five year old gelding (Badlands Hanover-Logan’s Butler) who she races with Wilson Alley. She was happy to cheer from the sideline as he won the up to three win junior drivers 2700 metre pace driven by Tim Hall in 3.27.0. Dakota Kid has now had five race starts for two wins.

Dr Luk Chin trained and drove Kasynov (3 yr old gelding Sundon-Fayes Jewel) to win the up to two win 2700 metre handicap trot in 3.33.7.

Napoleon Dynamite (2 yr old colt Julius Caesar-Madam Giovanni) won the 1700 metre two year old mobile pace on debut. He is trained by Graeme Rogerson and Peter Simpson and was driven by Gavin Smith. Time for the race was 2.11.3, a mile rate of 2.04.2.

Saturday morning workouts at Cambridge saw good runs from Luminescence (3yr old f Badlands Hanover-Shining) who won the maiden 2200 metre pace in 2.47.2, the last half in 59.3, the last 400 in 29.3. She is trained by David Kaa and was driven by David Butcher.

Bob Castleton (2yr old gelding Malabar Maple-Madam Castleton) won the maiden trot over 2200 metres in 3.07 for trainer/driver Warren Taylor.

Cullen’s Legacy (3yr old colt Christian Cullen- T A Sportsplex) won very nicely for driver Gavin Smith in the one to three win pace over 2200 metres in 2.46.5, the last 800 in 59.1, the last 400 in 28.8.Cullen’s Legacy is trained by Wayne Ross.

NICKY CHILCOTT IN WINNING FORM

Local Cambridge trainer Nicky Chilcott continued her winning form again this week with two trotting winners, the first a win by Alien Waits at Alexandra Park, Auckland on Friday night. The 4 year old gelding (Sundon-Ceevette) took out the two or more win handicap trot over 2700 metres in 3.30.9, 1 ½ lengths in front of Glen Wolfenden on Exstasia. Alien Waits won his qualifying trial in February of last year and began racing in June. Since then he has had fifteen starts for five wins and four seconds. On Friday night Nicky did the driving and took him away nicely from the 10 metre mark to go forward and take the lead two laps from home. The challenge came at the post with one lap to go when Todd Macfarlane took Sunover Dover forward to vie for the lead, but Alien Waits was more than equal to it and held the lead easily, trotting perfectly. In the home straight he put several lengths on the field and came home for a comfortable win. This is a horse we are sure to see more of.

On Sunday the Bay Of Plenty Harness Racing Club held their annual grass track meeting at Tauranga, and again Nicky brought home a winner in the up to one win handicap trot over 2500 metres. O’Sheas (7 yr old gelding Il Vicolo-Sure Lobell) who is pacing bred but like his mother prefers to trot, has been in Nicky’s stable since November, having previously been trained by Bruce Negus in Canterbury. He started as favourite in the race, having had four previous starts for Nicky with second and third placings. O’Sheas went away from the twenty metre mark and settled mid field. At the top of the home straight he was pulled out wide and flew home impressively, trotting strongly to win by 1¼ lengths from Sean McCaffrey and Harvey Krumpet, in a time of 3.23.1, a mile rate of 2.10.7.

Other local trainers to have a win were David Marshall with Corlett, (6yr old mare Holmes Hanover-Bedlum). Driven by Peter Ferguson, Corlett won the up to two win 1950 metre pace in 2.29.7, a mile rate of 2.03.5. She raced mid field until taken wide 600 metres from home and ran on to take the lead 100 metres out, holding out Maurice McKendry and Simply Magic by a neck. The mare has had five starts for David since joining his stable in December, coming a close second behind Waingaro Invader at Wanganui earlier in the month. She was previously trained by Alex Hastie in Canterbury.

Lyn Neal drove Italian Lass (5yr old mare Il Vicolo-Convent Girl) to a win in the one to two win fillies and mares pace over 1950 metres. This horse was having her first start for trainers Lyn and her husband Andrew, having also previously come from Canterbury, this time from the stable of Nigel McGrath. Italian Lass had the best gate speed off the mobile and went to the lead, but handed up to Tony Shaw on Norvic Star and sat in the trail until the home straight, where she managed to get a run up the fence and fought hard with Flight Of Fantasy driven by Jay Abernethy, winning by a neck in a time of 2.27.6, a mile rate of 2.01.7. Italian Lass was 9/9 in the betting, paying a good dividend of $32.10 and $6.60.

There are races again at Cambridge Raceway next Thursday 7th February.

SOVEREIGNTY IMPRESSES AT CAMBRIDGE

Talented three year old trotter Sovereignty (Monarchy-Lockerup), did not let his owners Charlie and Annette Hunter or himself off lightly when he won the two to three win handicap trot over 2200 metres at Cambridge Raceway on Friday evening. The gelding who is trained by Sean Mc Caffrey, already had three wins and a second from five starts to his credit when he lined up firm favourite for driver Maurice Mc Kendry, who was wearing the yellow Harness Jewels colours, as Sovereignty was the leader in his class for the series at this stage. He made a good start from the four draw but fifty metres out broke and galloped, taking quite a while to settle down at the back of the field and fifteen lengths from the leader. His task looked impossible, when at the top of the straight for the first time, Maurice pulled him out and took him forward to sit three wide with cover. At the top of the home straight Sovereignty was four wide trotting strongly and coming away to take the win by 1 ½ lengths in an impressive 2.50.8. Delighted with his performance, the Hunter family were preparing to celebrate when the siren went signifying an enquiry into his performance. However after reviewing the race the stipendary stewards found that he had not exceeded the ruling for the length galloped and the celebratory drinks in the winners room were that much sweeter.

Other local horses to win on the night were Mymumdidnotwantme (four year old mare Union Guy-Jessica Nicole) trained by Colin Butler and driven by David Butcher who won the up to two win fillies and mares 2200 metre pace in a time of 2.46.4.

Trainer Nicky Chilcott had a good win in the four year old and older 2700 metre maiden pace with Dakota Kid (4 year old gelding Badlands Hanover-Logans Butler). Time for the race was a respectable 2.28.2, Dakota Kid won by a neck in a close finish with By The Stars (4 yr old mare Astreos-Tuapeka Royale), trained by John Godfrey.

They say a stable is either on form or not and this was true for the above three winning trainers, because all of them continued their success with wins on the grass at the Morrinsville Trotting Club’s meeting at Te Aroha on Sunday.

Sean Mc Caffrey won well with Harvey Krumpet, (4 yr old gelding Sundon-Debbie Galleon) in the up to one win handicap trot. He went to the lead at the start and then handed up the lead to sit in the trail. After difficulty getting a run in the straight he ran on late to take the win. Harvey Krumpet won two races as a two year old and has been only lightly raced since then.

Colin Butler took out another win with Modiglaini Maid (4yr old mare Perfect Art-Smooth Jaguress). Driven by Philip Butcher, she sat parked and held on well in the straight to win the four year old and older 2100 metre pace by a length from Bettors Star who ran on well when clear for second.

Nicky Chilcott had a hard fought win in the Morrinsville Cup with the good mare, Miss Sharvid (7 yr old mare Sharvid Adios-Eileen Rose). She took out the two to five win discretionary pace over 2200 metres in 2.49.3. settling in the middle of the field early and then moving up to the one/one before putting in an exceptional effort in the home straight urged on by driver Nicky and holding off the challengers to win by a neck.

Other local trainer to have a win was Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Club steward, Kelvin Wilson who took out the win with his good trotting entire, Sunset Star (5 yr old h Sundon-Cherraine). Driven by Peter Ferguson, Sunset Star began from the 20 metre mark in the one or more win handicap trot over 2200 metres. Taken to the lead early he held his place, trotting home strongly in the straight to win by a head in 2.56.0. This is Sunset Star’s sixth career win.

Grass track racing continues next Sunday when the Bay of Plenty Trotting Club holds their annual meeting at Tauranga.

Racing again at Cambridge takes place on Thursday 7th February.

A TOP NIGHTS RACING AT CAMBRIDGE

This Friday night 4th January, the Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Racing Club holds their Skycity Flying Mile Night at Cambridge Raceway, with the first race starting at 5.50pm.

The feature race of the night, the Skycity Flying Mile, a Free For All, Group Two $75,000 pace, has drawn an excellent field of eleven. The scratching today of Monkey King brings the field down to ten and leaves Bailey’s Dream off the three draw looking a likely favourite. Days Of Courage, Awesome Armbro, and Sly Flying cannot be taken too cheaply however and it certainly makes for an exciting race. This race is an Interdominion Heat with the winner qualifying for the semi-finals if nominated.

The $30,000 Cambridge Trotters Flying Stakes has also drawn an excellent field with the firm favourite being One Over Kenny who won the Trotters Flying Mile so impressively on Christmas Eve at Cambridge in a time of 1.57.0. Mountbatten who ran second in that race has drawn two with the very good Houdini Star at three.

The Dinny Johnstone Waikato Guineas a $25,000 2200 metre pace for three year olds should also draw a lot of interest, with Cullens Legacy looking the likely favourite, and Benny Mac also having claims.

The Club House Bar and Café $20,000 Matriarch Stakes for two to nine win fillies and mares, promises to be another exciting race, with the champion mare, One Dream a certain favourite and Top Tempo also a prospect.

Excellent Racing on Christmas Eve

There was plenty of exciting racing at Cambridge Raceway on Christmas Eve. The feature race of the day, the Group One Turf Bar Trotters Flying Mile, was won impressively by the champion mare, One Over Kenny, (6m Sundon-Frances Jay Bee), trained by Phillip Williamson at Oamaru, and driven by Tony Herlihy, the mare came home in a sizzling 1.57.0, which equaled Take A Moment’s second fastest time for the same race in 2002 and was just under Lyell Creek’s 1.56.78, in 2001 which is the race record. One Over Kenny’s run was a record time for a mare in the history of the race. There were gutsy performances in behind for second and third by Mountbatten (5g Earl-Sunvette), and Romper Stomper (8g Armbro Invasion-Iola Hanover). The win was One Over Kenny’s 22nd, and brings her lifetime stakes to $540,000.

Local horses won well on the day too with Hayley Brogden (3f Christian Cullen-Miss Hazel) taking her second win from four race day starts in the maiden fillies and mares 2200 metre pace. Trained and driven by Nicky Chilcott, she went out quickly and settled in the one/one. Pulled out three wide at the 300 metres from home, she ran on to win comfortably in 2.45.0, the last 800 in 59.2, the last 400 in 29.4. Hayley Brogden won her first start for Nicky as a two year old in June.

Trainer John Dickie had success with Real Deal Yankee (3g Dream Vacation- Catherine The Great) in the up to one win handicap 2200 metre trot. Driven by Todd Mitchell, Real Deal Yankee settled fifth, moved up to sit parked a lap from home, took over the lead at the 400 mark and ran home to take his fourth lifetime win in 2.52.4. Rockin Brie(5m Sundon-Rockin Girl) having her second start for Revel Douglas, came home well for second.

Udare (8g Dare You To-Sapporo Light) who went very well at the previous Saturday workouts, won the three to nine win handicap pace over 2700 metres stylishly. Trained by David Marshall and driven by Tony Herlihy, Udare led out well from the stand and kept the lead for the entire journey running home strongly in 3.28.1.

Trained and driven by Todd Mitchell, Awesome Rocket (5 g Pacific Rocket-Jomar) took out the one to two win 2200 metre pace in 3.26.8. Out fast off the gate, Awesome Rocket went to the lead and dictated the pace, well rated by Todd. He fought off challengers in the home straight to hold the lead by ½ head from Gavin Smith with Our Fred. The win was Awesome Rocket’s third. He was 6/7 in the betting and paid a nice dividend of $13.50 and $3.90.

Races again at Cambridge Raceway, tomorrow evening Friday 28th December with the first race starting at 5.55pm and again on Sunday 30th December at Te Awamutu on the grass, with the first race at 2.00pm, with an eleven race card and very good fields.

CHRISTMAS AT THE RACES

The Morrinsville Trotting Club held their “Christmas At The Races” meeting on Thursday evening at the Cambridge Raceway. There was a large crowd there and also large fields of horses with an eleven race card. A number of Christmas parties were held and there were also families picnicking on the grass in front of the stand, enjoying the horses and the warm night.

Local wins came in the maiden 2200 metre pace when the Alan Andrews trained, J D’s Chrimar (5g Live Or Die-Chrimar Princess) won impressively, making a sweeping run out wide from the 400 mark after sitting three back on the outside for all of the journey. Driven patiently by Phillip Jefferies the gelding proved too strong for the rest coming home to win by ¾ length in a time of 2.47.7, the last 800 in 60.0, the last 400 in 30.0. Having his seventh race start, J D’s Chrimar was 12/12 in the betting and paid a huge dividend of $93.60 and $17.50.

In the fillies and mares maiden pace over 2200metres, Hi Im Jenn (3f Falcon Seelster-Stay At Home) trained by Mike Butcher and driven by Phillip Butcher won on debut, after leading for the last 1500 metres of the journey. Time for the journey was 2.47.3, the last 800 in 59.6, the last 400 in 28.9.

Norvic Star (4m Courage Under Fire-Norvic Armir) followed up a win the previous week at the Cambridge meeting, with another slick win in the up to two win fillies and mares 1700 metre pace. Tony Shaw, driving for trainer Sean Mc Caffrey, took Norvic Star out fast to the lead then handed up to Stunning and Ken Barron, and sat in the trail until the top of the home straight where Tony elected to pull her out rather than wait for the passing lane and she ran home to take her third race win in 2.04.5, the last 800 in 58.0, the last 400 in 28.3, a mile rate of 1.57.8.

The Saturday morning workouts at Cambridge saw seventy horses turn out again this week.

The run of the day came from Udare (8g Dare Dare You To-Sapporo Light) in the one two five win pace over 2200metres. Driven by trainer David Marshall, Udare ran away to beat the large field by three lengths in 2.49.2, the last 800 in 56.8, the last 400 in 28.5.

David Marshall also had another winner in the maiden pace over 2200 metres. Corlett (6m Holmes Hanover-Bedlum) who until recently was trained in Ashburton by Alex Hastie. Time for the heat was 2.50.1, the last 800 in 59.0, the last 400 in 29.6.

The two year old mobile pace over 1700 metres was won by Flem N Em (2c Courage Under Fire-Equus Franco) trained by Graeme Rogerson and Peter Simpson and driven by Peter. Time for the heat was 2.14, the last 800 in 60.2, the last 400 in 30.0. Flem N Em has yet to qualify, he trialled well behind the mobile back in November.

In the only trot of the morning, an up to five win handicap stand over 2700 metres, Rockin Brie, (5m Sundon-Rockin Girl) trained and driven by Revell Douglas, ran home very well to beat Springfield Barry (5g Brylin Boyz-Springfield Susan) in a close finish. Rockin Brie also won well at the previous Saturday’s workouts on the grass at Te Awamutu.

The Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Racing Club’s Christmas Eve meeting (a day meeting) will be held on Monday 24th December, and promises to draw large fields and to be an excellent afternoons entertainment. The feature race of the day will be the $50,000 Group One Turf Bar Trotters Flying Mile which is expected to draw a top field. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance. Bring the family along to enjoy the fun.

WORKOUTS ON THE GRASS AT WAIPA

On Saturday morning the Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Racing Club held their workouts on the grass at the Waipa Jockey Club’s track at Te Awamutu. This is a day for trainers to prepare horses for the grass track circuit meetings to be held over summer. There was a very large turnout with seventy horses taking part.

In the first non-winners mobile pace over 1900 metres Bukima (4g Pacific Rocket-Smooth Nedra) came home well to win for trainer/driver Dane Alexander in a time of 2.34.3, the last 800 in 65.1, the last 400 in 31.8. Bukima also won well at the workouts at Cambridge the previous Saturday.

Dynamic Gambit (4g Jeremy’s Gambit-Highview Mistique) won the second non-winners pace driven by Peter Ferguson for trainer Tony Shaw. This was also a winner from the last Saturday’s workouts. Dynamic Gambit came home one length in front of Jabal Akdar (4g Live Or Die-Leterluce), trained by Stuart Moore, who put in an excellent run for second. The time for the 1900 metres was 2.30.5, the last 800 in 64.2, the last 400 in 31.0.

In the third maiden pace of the morning, Family Spirit (4g Il Vicolo-Whata Spirit) trained by John and David Butcher, came home one length in front of Wot The Owl (3gRiverboat King-She’s Left), in a time of 2.33.7, the last 800 in 64.2, the last 400 in 31.6. Family Spirit qualified in August and has up to date had two race starts without being placed.

The first heat for the one to two win pacers over 1900 metres was won very nicely by Leica Fighter (4g Live Or Die-Leica Brandy), trained by Brent Donnelly and driven by Arna Donnelly. Merri Go Round( 5g Man Around Town-Thalmera) trained by John and David Butcher came home well for second. Time for the heat was 2.31.2, the last 800 in 67.0, the last 400 in 29.6. Leica Fighter is returning to racing after being spelled since July.

In the second one to two win pace Doc Towho (5g Live Or Die-Evaluation) trained by Robbie Hughes and driven by Todd Mitchell came home to win in 2.38.5, the last 800 in 67.0, the last 400 in 29.6).

Forever Loyal (5g Knight Rainbow-Kirkoswald) took out the two to six win pace for trainer Ron Fraser. Daughter Jenny did the driving and the time for the heat was 2.30, the last 800 in 63.2, the last 400 in 29.9. Forever Loyal’s four lifetime wins have all been at grass track meetings.

In the first trot of the morning, a 2600 metre standing start for up to one win horses, Rocking Brie (5m Sundon-Rockin Girl) trained and driven by Revel Douglas put in a impressive run to win in 3.39.4, the last 800 in 68.2, the last 400 in 33.1. Rockin Brie has yet to start at a race meeting. She qualified in May of 2006 for then trainers J Green and B Hughes.

The one or more win handicap trot over 2600 metres was won well by Sunset Star (5h Sundon-Cherraine) off the the 20 metre mark , trained by Kelvin Wilson and driven by Peter Ferguson, in a time of 3.38.6, the last 800 in 64.2, the last 400 in 31.2. Sunset Star who is a very handy trotter has not raced since February.

There will be racing at Cambridge Raceway this Thursday evening, 13th December when the Morrinsville Trotting Club hold their “Christmas at the Races” meeting. Good fields are expected for the meeting and an excellent night’s racing is guaranteed.

WORKOUT WINNERS
There was a good turnout at the Saturday morning workouts at Cambridge with forty horse taking part. Highlights of the morning came from: In the first non-winners pace of the morning over 2200metres, Dynamic Gambit (4yr old gelding Jeremy’s Gambit-Highview Mistique) trained and driven by Tony Shaw, came home well in a slick 2.45 with the last 800 metres in 57.0, the last 400 in 29.0. ahead of Prom Queen, down from Auckland with Brent Mangos. Dynamic Gambit has had two race starts with a fourth on debut at Cambridge and an uplaced run at Auckland. In the other non-winners pace Bukima (4yr old gelding Pacific Rocket-Smooth Nedra), trained and driven by Dane Alexander came home first in 2.49.3, the 800 in 60.3, the last 400 in 29.5. Bukima has had seven race starts with her best being a second placing behind Waingaro Invader at Cambridge in October. The one to three win pace over 2700 metres was won by Top Tempo (4yr old mare In The Pocket-Kliklite) now trained by the Graeme Rogerson – Peter Simpson team, came home in 3.32.3, the last half in 57.90, the last 400 in 27.7. Top Tempo who was previously trained by Mark Purdon has had one start for her new stable for a fourth placing at Cambridge in October. Second behind Top Tempo on Saturday, was Panorama Drama, trained by trained by Kevin Shaw, a handy mare with excellent place form in her last starts, she lines up in the junior drivers race at the Tuesday meeting tomorrow at Cambridge with Gary Gillies to do the driving. The non- winners trot of the morning over 2700 metres was won by Chinede (4yr old gelding Pernod Eden-Chizola), now trained by Merv Neil, who was previously trained by Brian Norman in Southland. Time for the heat was 3.43.7 with the last 800 in 61.8, the last 400 in 30.5. The Nicky Chilcott trained Alien Waits (4yr old gelding Sundon-Ceevette), started off the 10 metre mark and ran home to win in 3.40.2, the last 800 in 60.1, the last 400 in 28.3. Alien Waits has now had ten race starts for three wins and four second placings.

EXCITING NEW SERVICE FOR OWNERS AND TRAINERS

Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) is pleased to announce an exciting new service for industry participants. Recently launched on the HRNZ award winning website is the “Horse Race Programme Enquiry” service.

This can be found on www.hrnz.co.nz by scrolling down the left hand index side of the site and clicking on programmes. This area of the site lists all approved programmes for the forthcoming weeks, along with tentative programmes, preferential barrier draws for tracks and field limits for tracks.

The addition to this page is the “Horse Race Programme Enquiry”. Simply click here and a window will pop up. Enter the name of any horse and refine your search if you wish. Refinements include start type (mobile/stand or both) and area/region or island.

The “Infohorse” database will then list all races that your selected horse fits into for the forthcoming weeks from the programmes already approved.

HRNZ is confident that this will dramatically reduce the time owners and trainers spend searching through programmes to find suitable races for their horse(s).

Particular advantage will be for horses that may be looking for ‘let ups” or “drop back” conditions within programmes as time spent looking for these is almost completely eliminated.

This is just the latest in continued improvements that HRNZ has made to its website to assist industry participants.

For more information contact:

Darrin Williams
Nat Programme Co-ordinator & Handicapper
P: 03 964 1192
E: darrin@hrnz.co.nz
>>

Two of the heats in the 2007 World Drivers Championship were held at Cambridge on Thursday evening. The trotting heat was won by Fayanni (five year old mare Armbro Invasion-Faye’s Jewel) trained by Dr Luk Chin and was driven on the night by Kerryn Manning of Australia. The pacing heat was taken out by Presidential Belle trained by David Odlum. Colin De Filippi, the New Zealand entrant, drove the mare to win over the mile in a sizzling 1.57.6. The drivers championships concluded at Addington, Christchurch on Friday night with Christophe Martens of Belgium in first place, Colin De Filippi second and Bjorn Goop of Sweden third.

Local Cambridge trainer Nicky Chilcott had it all her own way on Thursday evening at the Cambridge/TeAwamutu Harness Racing Club’s meeting at Cambridge Raceway, taking out three excellent training wins. The first came in the up to one win pace over 2200 metres, with Mystical Sands (5 year old mare Sands A Flyin-Mythical Motoring). The mare has shown improving form since returning to racing last month after a break. On Thursday evening Nicky took Mystical Sands out from the one draw to sit in the trail behind the favourite, The Guardian trained by John Dickie. At the top of the home straight Nicky elected to pull her out rather than take the passing lane and she ran home strongly to take the win by 1 ½ lengths from the The Guardian. The time for the race was 2.46.7, the last 800 metres in 58.6, the last 400 in 28.7. Mystical Sands who was three/three in the betting, paid a nice win dividend of $6.90 and $1.90 for the place. Next up was Miss Sharvid (7 year old mare Sharvid Adios-Eileen Rose) trained by Nicky and on Thursday night, driven by junior driver Gary Gillies. The race, 1700 metre pace for up to three win fillies and mares was the fifth career win for the sharp mare. She crossed front the outside of the gate, went to the lead and stayed in front, running home strongly in the straight to win by 1 ½ lengths in 2.10.4, the last 800 in 59.5, the last 400 in 28.2. Then in the up to 1 win + claimers special handicap trot over 2200 metres Nicky drove home Alien Waits (four year old gelding Sundon-Ceevette) to his third win from nine starts. He has shown consistently good form since he began racing in July and went out favourite on Thursday night. Taken forward off the 20 metre mark by Nicky, Alien Waits was held out third wide for a time, but pressed on forward to take the lead at the bell, 1000 metres from home and trotted decisively running away stylishly in the home straight to take the win in 2.53.4, the last 800 in 61.7, the last 400 in 30.6.

WORKOUT WINNERS

Good runs at the Saturday morning workouts at Cambridge Raceway came from the following:

In the one to two win mobile pace over 2200 metres Mysta Ruffy (5 year old gelding Live or Die-Kylie Maree) trained by Wayne Hill, came home in 2.50.5, the last half in 58.8 and the last 400 in a slick 28.8. Mysta Ruffy is coming back after a spell. He was turned out in July after showing consistently good form in his last races.

In the first maiden pace of the morning, Fresco Denario (3 year old filly(Artiscape-Campeche) came home well for trainer/driver Todd Mitchell in a time of 2.52.8, the last 800 in 59.0, the last 400 in 28.3. Fresco Denario won her qualifying heat at Pukekohe in April and had one unplaced start at Auckland, before being turned out for a spell. She will start at Cambridge on Thursday evening.

In the second maiden pace over 2200 metres Nicky Chilcott trained and drove Triumphant Reign (3 year old gelding Live Or Die – OK Reign) in 2.50.6, the last 800 in 58.9 the last 400 in 29.2. Triumphant Reign qualified in April, before being turned out. It is now in preparation for racing.

Homin Dry (Holmes Hanover- Miss Piggy) won the 2700 metre pace for three win horses from a standing start. Todd Mitchell has taken over the training of the six year old gelding from his owner Bryan Macey. He came home in front of Top Tempo and Spaceman. Time for the heat was 3.30.1, the last 800 in 58.6, the last 400 in 28.6. Homin and Dry has not raced since June. He will start at Cambridge on Thursday evening in the World Drivers’ Championship pace and will be driven by Antti Teivainen of Finland who presently holds fourth equal place in the competition.

The Robert Peat trained mare Lovely Shotagold (Evanders Gold-Lovely Bunny) took out the 2700 metre trot in 3.38.9, two lengths ahead of Taylamade Dee. The five year old mare has not raced since August. She was driven by Peter Ferguson.

CAMBRIDGE FLYING MILE TO BE INTER DOMINION QUALIFIER

Because of the outbreak of Equine Influenza in Australia, four Grand Circuit races set down for later this year have been postponed, two each in New South Wales and Queensland. Therefore Harness Racing Victoria has decided to promote three races into the qualifying pool to overcome the shortfall. One of these is to be the $75,000 Sky City Flying Mile at Cambridge, on January 4, the winner of which will now progress straight into the Inter Dominion semi finals if nominated.

The finals will be run at Moonee Valley on 1st March. The stake for the Grand Final for pacers will this year be decreased from $1,000,000 to $750,000, a reflection of the financial impact the influenza outbreak has had on the industry. The trotters Grand Final stake will remain at $250,000.

SUCCESS FOR DAVID KAA AT KAIKOURA

The first of the lead up meetings to New Zealand Cup week was held yesterday in front of a large crowd on the beautiful seaside raceway at Kaikoura. Cambridge trainer David Kaa had a very successful day with Bachelorette (five year old mare Albert Albert –Gretna’s Girl), whom he trains, and owns with his wife Michelle, winning the $50,000 2400 metre handicap pace for two to six win horse four years and old, in effortless style.

Driven by Phillip Butcher, Bachelorette went from the 20 metre mark and settled mid field, moving up to sit in the one/one it the middle stages. She was pulled out 500 metres from home and ran on strongly to win by 1 ½ lengths from Kuai Dam in a time of 3.02.7, the last 800 in 57.8, the last 400 in 27.4. At 5/5 in the betting Bachelorette paid a nice dividend of $8.10 and $3.40. We can expect to see plenty more from her over the cup meetings.

David also had a nice second in the 2400 metre maiden pace with Luminesence (3 year old filly Badlands Hanover-Shining Through) She finished behind the favourite Absolute Magic trained and driven by Michael House. The time for the race was 2.58.9, a mile rate of 1.59.9.

LOCAL WINNERS IMPRESS

Two local horses won impressively at the Bay of Plenty Harness Racing Club’s meeting at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday evening.

Sovereignty (Monarchy- Lockerup) trained by Sean McCaffrey, followed up a win at Auckland two weeks ago with an outstanding run in the 2700 metre, one to four win discretionary handicap trot, running way from the opposition to win comfortably by four and a half lengths.

Driver Maurice McKendry took the three year old gelding to the lead early in the race and dictated an even pace in front. China Chinko and Scott Phelan came up to challenge at the bell a lap from home but could not go with Sovereignty who held the lead and ran away in the home straight to take a decisive win. Time for the race was 3.36.1, the last 800 metres in 60.5, the last 400 in 30.3. Sovereignty has now had two wins and a second from three race starts and looks at this stage to have a promising future.

Having its first race start for trainer Todd Mitchell, Mc Alister, a four year old gelding (ll Vicolo-Silent Purse), also proved too strong for the opposition in the 2200 metre pace for non winner four years and older. Driven by Todd, Mc Alister bobbled at the start losing six or seven lengths but recovered quickly and settled at the rear. He was taken forward quickly to take the lead in the back straight the first time round and was never challenged, running away strongly 500 metres from home to cross the line nine lengths in front of Bourne Supremecy driven by Derek Balle, in a time of 2.48.3, the last 800 in 59.0, the last 400 in 28.0

Mc Alister won his qualifying heat by seven lengths back in July before being spelled, and on return has shown good workout form leading up to the race. He will definitely be one to keep an eye on.

Also one to watch after his win at the Saturday workouts at Cambridge, is Wot The Owl, a three year old gelding (Riverboat King-She’s Left), trained at Thames by Peter Young.

Wot The Owl won his qualifying trial in May before being turned out. Since returning he has had two race starts which although he has been unplaced, have done much to further his education and on Saturday he won the 2200 maiden heat in 2.50.3. the last 800 in 60.3, the last 400 in 30.9.

There is racing again at Cambridge Raceway next Thursday evening, 8th November, when the Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Racing Club holds their Waikato Times Silks and Sulkies meeting.

TODD MITCHELL THUNDERS HOME

Local trainer Todd Mitchell had a good win at the Franklin Trotting Club’s meeting at Alexandra Park, Auckland, on Friday night. Sound of Thunder, a three year old colt (Presidential Ball-Rare Class) which he both trains and drives, took out the one win 2200 metre mobile pace in a close finish with the Steven Reid trained and driven, Franco Tetris.

Sound of Thunder crossed easily from the six draw to take the lead off the gate and he stayed there. Franco Tetris came up to challenge him in the back straight for the first time, but broke and settled in the trail. He then came up the passing line to make a strong challenge in the home straight, but Sound Of Thunder dug deep and fought back, to take the win in 2.45.8, the last 800 in 58.1, the last 400 in 28.7.

Sound Of Thunder has now had seven starts for four wins and a second. He won his qualifying trial in April and won first up at Waiarapa. He was placed fourth in his class at the Harness Jewels in Ashburton in June. He will now compete in the Sires’ Stakes Heat at Auckland on Friday night, and then it is likely he will head south to Canterbury for the final at Cup Week at Addington in November.

CAMBRIDGE TRAINERS TAKE TWO WINS AT MORRINSVILLE MEETING

She has been the bridesmaid for a while, but on Thursday night at the Morrinsville Trotting Club’s meeting at Cambridge Raceway the five year old mare (Brylin Boyz – Lady Odette) finally had it all her own way and came home to a comfortable win in the maiden 2700 metre trot. In the hands of Phillip Jefferies, the mare was first out and stayed there, dictating the pace. She was not challenged at any stage and ran away in the straight to win by two lengths from Richard Brosnan and Roxie Heart in a time of 3.46.0.

Lady Boyz had up till then had eleven race starts for trainer Mike Berger since she qualified in May of this year and had run a place in eight of those starts with four seconds and four thirds.

In the up to one win 2200 metre mobile pace, trainer/driver Nicky Chilcott drove a patient and well timed race behind Unattached (Caprock-Detach). She settled the seven year old gelding towards the rear early in the race, taking him forward to sit in the one/one 1400 metres from home, and waited until the 400 metre mark to pull out three wide and run on strongly to win by 1 ½ lengths from Ultimo driven by Gavin Smith, in a time of 2.50.2, with the last 800 in 59.6, the last 400 in 29.4.

Unattached came to Nicky’s stable D & C Butt in Canterbury and won first up for her at Stratford in March of this year. He now has seven career wins to his credit.

CAMBRIDGE WORKOUTS

In the learners heat at the Saturday morning workouts Shirley, a three year old filly (Mach Three – All Our Smiles) trained by Murray Logan came home to win the 2200 metre mobile pace in a time of 2.57.4, the last 800 in 60.2, the last 400 in 29.6.

In the non-winners Mc Alister, a four year old gelding (ll Vicolo – Silent Purse), trained by Todd Mitchell, came home to win in a time of 2.50.2, for the 2200 metres, the last 800 in 59.0, the last 400 in 28.8. Mc Alister won his qualifying trial easily back in July and is resuming after a spell. He has yet to start at a race meeting.

Derek Balle brought trotter Leyton H down from Pukekohe and lined him up against the pacers in a 2700 mobile which he won in 3.32.9, the last 800 in 60.0, the last 400 in 28.8.

There are races again at Cambridge Raceway this Thursday evening 25th October, when the Bay of Plenty Harness Racing Club holds their Spring Meeting. Join us for a great night’s racing.

SOVEREIGNTY RULES AT KUMEU MEETING

The Kumeu Trotting Club’s Founders Cup Meeting at Alexander Park, Auckland, on Friday night saw promising three year old gelding Sovereignty (Monarchy- Lockerup), take out the up to one win 2200 metre handicap trot.

Favourite in the race after a nice second on debut at the Manakau meeting last month, Sovereignty, who is trained by Sean Mc Caffrey and was driven by Maurice McKendry, went away well from the three draw amongst a number of breakers, settled into the trail behind White Squall and then went forward to take the lead a lap from home. White Squall challenged on the turn, but Sovereignty proved too good and too strong, taking the win by five and a half lengths from Aussie Invasion in a time of 2.54.3.

The gelding who is owned by well known horseman, Charlie Hunter and his wife Annette, won his qualifying trial well in July and has shown enough talent in his first two starts to look like an exciting prospect for the future.

ROGERSON/SIMPSON TEAM SHOWS UP WELL AT WORKOUTS

Two horses from the stable of ‘new to harness’ trainers Graeme Rogerson and Peter Simpson attended Saturday morning workouts at Cambridge and both won their respective heats well.

Carlos a four year old gelding (Christian Cullen – Precious Vance) came home well in the hands of stable foreman and last seasons junior driver of the year, Gavin Smith, in a time of 2.51.2. in the non-winners 2200 metre pace. The horse comes to the Rogerson stable from Mark Purdon and has had nine race starts for three thirds.

Top Tempo, a four year old mare (In The Pocket – Kliklite) also previously from the Mark Purdon barn, has the N Z Yearling Sale fillies race and the Group 2 Nevele R Stakes fillies race to her credit as a two year old and a second placing behind Changeover in the Group Two Three Year Old Flying Stakes. She came home to win the 2200 metre heat by half a length from Dr Towho in a time of 2.48.2, the last 800 in 58.7, the last 400 in 28.4.

LADIES DOMINATE AT CAMBRIDGE WORKOUTS

Cambridge workouts with Jason Teaz

Cambridge horsewomen Arna Donnelly and Nicky Chilcott dominated the Saturday workouts staged at Cambridge on Saturday September 29. On a nine-heat programme, Donnelly, an under rated fomer leading junior driver, drove three winners while Chilcott, who has been a top trainer for many years in the Waikato, trained three winners.

The first win for Donnelly was in the most tightly assessed heat of the day, a two or more win mobile pace over 2200m. The winner was Miss Sharvid (Sharvid Adios-Eileen Rose) trained by Chilcott. The seven-year-old mare led early in the three-horse field, set all terms and was never headed winning by a length over Forever Loyal and Semaj, who finished a further three lengths away. The overall time was a fair 2:51.0 but the sectionals were the quickest of the session in 57.9 and 27.9 respectively. Miss Sharvid hasn't raced since January 28 but judging by the ease of her win she looks very forward for her coming engagements.

Donnelly followed that up with victory in the two win and faster handicap trot, won by Cool Story (Armbro Invasion-Cool Store). The stylish-looking six win-trotter began well from his 40m handicap, quickly trailing leader Bellway before taking the lead at the 800 mark. He held off a stern challenge from Dux, driven by Stephen Doody, who made a mistake at the start but put up a strong performance to go down by a length and a half in an uncorrected time of 3:40 for the 2700m. The last half was a smart 58.6 and the last quarter in 28.9.Cool Story has his first up race at Cambridge next Thursday night, before embarking on a southern sojourn.

Donnelly’s third was again with a smart trotter, this time the Chilcott-trained Alien Waits (Sundon-Ceevette). The impressive four-year-old stepped nicely from his 20m handicap and took over the lead with a mile to run, easily holding off all challengers to win by three lengths from Bid Me Up, who is now trained by rookie Nigel Chalmers. Bid Me Up will be Chalmers first training runner when the Evander’s Gold seven-year-old steps out Tuesday week at Cambridge Raceway’s first Tuesday meeting, and with good manners it may well be a dream start to Chalmers training career. The overall time for the heat was 3:40.5 and the last half run in 60.3. Alien Waits is still classed as a one win trotter so his next couple of wins will not be hard for him to achieve.

Nicky Chilcott's third training success was with Minis Secret (Barnett Hanover-Mini Solo), who is a big and bold going type. The son of Barnett Hanover won an unqualified heat easily in the hands of Nigel Chalmers after trailing early, before sprinting at the leader Christiano quickly over the last quarter to win by a half length in a sedate overall time of 3:01 for the 2200m.

It wasn’t a complete female driver benefit however, two maiden heats were run and won in two completely different circumstances.The first was a spectacularly unusual fixture with a speed duel taking place between Bukima, driven by Dane Alexander, and Luminescnce, with Phil Butcher on board.

The first 800m was timed around the 59 second mark and it was no surprise to see the heat turn into a farce with an overall time of 2:51 being recorded, but the last 800m was 66.0 and the last quarter in 33.5. owever the winner was the impeccably bred Bloss's Flame (Live Or Die-Blossom Lady), trained and driven by Stephen Doody, who won the survival of the fittest over Belaire's Dream and a game Luminscence, who stuck on remarkably for third. The four year old mare is the second last foal from champion racemare Blossom Lady and although the result of the heat cannot be taken seriously, she is getting better with every public appearance.

The other maiden was a better spectacle won by Xerxes (Christian Cullen-Amazing Laugh). Trained and driven locally by Sean McCaffrey, the roan-coloured filly had a good trip in the 1x1 before sprinting home down the outside to grab leader First Things First, to win by a half length. Another Chilcott-trained runner Keep It Real did a nice job to run third after being parked throughout. The time was 2:52.4 and the last 800m cut out in 60.2 the last split in 29.7.The other heat of note was another unqualified pace won by another McCaffrey-driven runner in Brookfield President (Presidential Ball-Vance Royale).

Trained at Manaia by Hec Bell, the gelding wanted to over race throughout but when given his own way in front settled a little more and won nicely by two lengths in a fast time for unqualifieds in 2:56.6. This family has served Bell well over the years and with more education this five-year-old may well follow on in the footsteps of his relations. Racing moves back to Cambridge Raceway this Thursday with a ten-race programme kicking off at 5.55pm.

EXCELLENT SHOWING BY LOCAL HORSES

Local horses were definitely to the fore at the Cambridge/TeAwamutu Harness Club’s meeting at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday evening.

Trainer John Dickie took out the maiden 2200 metre pace with a very impressive run on debut by The Guardian. The three year old gelding by Holmes Hanover qualified at Alexandra Park back in February and has shown good workout form recently in this preparation.

Driven by Todd Mitchell, he flew the gate well to go to the lead, held it for the rest of the journey, and ran away from the opposition down the straight to win in by 2 ½ lengths in T a time of 2.47.8, with the 800 in 58.9, the 400 in 28.1.

Udare who won so well last week in his first start for trainer David Marshall, came home with an impressive run again this week in the two to three win mile pace, to snatch the win from Bomb Away by half a head. Driven by Tony Herlihy, Udare, an eight year old gelding by Dare You To who has blossomed in the hands of his new trainer, took out the win in 2.00.2.with the last 800 in 58.2.the last 400 in 28.6.

The one to two win fillies and mares pace over 2200 metres was won confidently by Presidential Belle. The four year old Presidential Ball mare trained by David Odlum, ran an excellent second to Russian Rose at Alexandra Park a week ago, following a short spell. On Thursday night, driver Nicky Chilcott took Presidential Belle to the lead early in the race and led them all the way, finishing strongly in a time of 2.46.4, with a very slick 800 in 56.6, and 400 in 27.1.

In the one to three win discretionary trot over 2200 metres, the night belonged to B B Gill. The seven year old gelding by Evanders Gold notched up a well deserved third career win for owner/trainer Chris Andrew. In the competent hands of reinsman Todd Mitchell, he stepped well to take the lead and trotted strongly to hold the rest at bay for the whole of the journey. Time for the race was 2.57.

Monterosso, a five year old gelding by Christian Cullen, trained at Morrinville by Roger Villiger made an impressive run home to win the 2200 metre up to one win pace. The horse who has shown good place form in his last two starts was back early in the race, taken forward by driver David Butcher to sit in the one/one before being shuffled back to the rear where he sat until the four hundred mark. In what was a confident and well timed manouvre by David, he was taken wide - then when past the bend, worked his way across to the fence and flew up the passing lane to win by a nose. The time for the race was 2.47.9, with a 58.4 for the 800 and 29.3 for the 400.

SOUND OF THUNDER WINS AT AUCKLAND

Local trainer/driver Todd Mitchell had a good win at Alexandra Park, Auckland on Friday nightwith the very talented Sound Of Thunder. The three year old Presidential Ball colt has had only five race starts. He won his first start last season at Wairarapa, went on to win the two year old Juvenile Stakes, and was fourth in his class race at the Harness Jewels in June. After a short spell he has come back with a second placing at Auckland last week, and this week won a maiden 2200 metre pace, leading early and dictating his own pace, he ran away in the straight to a very comfortable win.

CAMBRIDGE WORKOUTS with Jason Teaz

Manawatu-trained trotter Braig (Armbro Invasion-Something Special) continued his preparation towards the Dominion Handicap at Addington in November with another impressive victory at the Cambridge workouts on Saturday, September 22. The Stephen Doody-trained six-year-old started from a 30m handicap in the two win and faster handicap trot, settling at the rear of the five horse field. He moved to the 1x1 at the 800m mark when Cool Story made his move to take the lead from pacemaker Bellway.

Cool Story, driven by Arna Donnelly, and Braig, with Todd Mitchell in the cart, engaged in a battle over the last quarter, run in 28.9, with Braig doing the better over the concluding stages to win by a length in a time of 3:35.3, the last half in 60.3. George Castleton ran on fairly to take third two and a half lengths away.The performances of these three open grade trotters have highlighted the workouts at Cambridge in recent weeks and should all perform with credit in the feature trotting races in the coming months.

The other faster class heat on the seven-heat programmed was a one to two win mobile pace over 2200m with the South Auckland visitor Field Day (Day In A Life-Seafield Mystic) leading all the way to win by a half length. In the hands of Joe Barnes, the Day In A Life mare possessed good gate speed and held on well to win over Roz who came from three back and Ultimo who had a good run in the trail. The overall time was a fair 2:51.9 but the half was run in 57.7 and the quarter 28.7. Field Day hasn’t raced since being purchased out of the Murray Alfeld stables in Christchurch, but looks forward and should go close to winning shortly.

The only non-winners pacing heat was won by Modigliani Maid (Perfect Art-Smooth Jaguress).Trained by Colin Butler and driven on this occasion by David Butcher, the strong looking mare led all the way to win by a length in a time of 2:51.8 with two identical quarters of 30.3 setting up a 60.6 last half. She showed promise last preparation and should pick up a maiden at short notice. Takim again showed good from after having a good trip to run second while Carlos, who represented the first public appearance for the new Graeme Rogerson and Peter Simpson partnership, finished on late for third.

The other highlights were the showings of two learners, one being a trotter in Idle Mal (Malabar Maple-Idle Eve), trained by Joseph Stables and driven by Nicky Chilcott. The stylish looking three-year-old showed a heap of ability to beat greenness and blew away a handy group of learner trotters to win by three lengths in a time of 3:06.1 for the 2200m standing start event. This horse has a now not so private reputation and judging by his first look at a racetrack, he is only going to get better.

Corduroy (Whiteland Trouble-Tui Karamea), trained by Todd Mitchell, is a full brother to the well performed mare Denim who won four in New Zealand before going to America and running a 1.55 mile. Driven by Mitchell, Corduroy put up a dashing display to lead all the way to win by two lengths, the overall time being good for learners in 2:57.8, the last quarter being run in 28.9. The five-year-old should qualify in the coming weeks.

WALLIS TEAM FEATURE AT CAMBRIDGE Cambridge Workouts with Jason Teaz

Open class pacer Sly Flyin was the star attraction of a big day at the Cambridge-Te Awamutu Harness Club’s workouts yesterday, September 15. The Michelle Wallis-trained nine-year-old ran in a three or more win mobile pace over 2200m, and despite coming home quickly from the tail end of the field, Sly Flyin, driven by trainer Wallis, was unable to catch stablemate Stoney Creek (Christian Cullen-Why Not Girl).

In the hands of Peter Ferguson, Stoney Creek led all of the way at good speed, then snuck a break on the field turning for home before holding off the challenge of Sly Flyin to win by a length, with another half a length back to fellow stablemate Playing The Field (Armbro Operative-Broadfield Lady), in third place.

The time was a very quick 2:46.7 and equally good sectionals recorded being 58.5 and 28.8 respectively. Wallis was ecstatic with the result and little wonder with all three being well on track for a South Island campaign.

In the other faster class heat, Braig (Armbro Invasion-Somethign Special), looked very forward in his first public appearance this time in. Driven by trainer Stephen Doody, Braig settled back from his 30m handicap before taking a 1x1 sit and sprinting home at the top of the straight. He overhauled leader George Castleton, winning by two lengths in a time of 3:35.7 for the 2700m and a half in 60.7,the last quarter being slower than the third to last in 30.4.Cool Story, still big and burly in condition finshed on for third a further length away.

Of the other events on the eight-heat programme, Border Raider (What's Next-Inez Star), visiting from Pukekohe, won a one to two win mobile pace for trainer Mike Stormont. The What's Next six-year-old led all the way to beat Panorama Drama, who fought on well after sitting parked, with Enjoy hitting the line well in a fresh state. The overall time was a fair 2:51.3 but with a good last half run in 58.5. When on his game Border Raider is hard to beat in this grade.

Two maiden heats were run with by far the most impressive being the half to the recently retired Innocent Bystander, The Guardian (Holmes Hanover-Cape Mirany).

The three-year-old, trained by John Dickie, looks to be getting stronger and was able to lead throughout the 2200m journey in the hands of Todd Mitchell. The time was a handy 2:50.4 and the last 800 a strong 58.5. Unbeaten Michelle Wallis-trained runner Swaps ran on stylishly late to take second in front of Conte Del Forno, who stripped much fitter on this occasion and should be hard to beat next Thursday at Cambridge.

In the other maiden heat, Palmerston North trainer Stephen Doody produced a much improved Musashi (Live Or Die-Sarah Vance) to win nicely. Manners have sometimes been an issue for the son of Live Or Die, but on this occasion he led all of the way at a sedate pace, and held off the challengers to win by a length in a time of 2:54.7, the pace only increasing on the home turn with a 29.0 second quarter being recorded. Best of the rest was the Peter Fraser-trained Takim, who took second just prior to the line.

Racing comes back to Cambridge Raceway this Thursday the 20th of September with a programmed ten race card kicking off at 5.45

NORTH ISLAND HARNESS RACING AWARDS

The winners of the North Island Harness Awards held on Saturday evening are:

CAMBRIDGE WORKOUTS with Jason Teaz

Another quiet session of workouts at Cambridge Raceway on September 8 showcased the talents of two of the better Waikato based mares. Presidential Belle (Presidential Ball-Nuclear Atom), was the first to show out, winning her one win and faster heat over 2200m.The David Odlum-trained mare led from the outset and burned off her rivals, which included the second placed Otaki Cup winner of this year, Forever Loyal (Knight Rainbow-Kirkoswald) and the Todd Mitchell trained Crescendo (Dream Away-Resonance).

The time was a competitive 2:47.7, the half in 58.3 and the last quarter in 28.3. Driven by regular driver Nicky Chilcott, the mare looked back to her best and lines up this week in a fillies and mares junior drivers event at Alexandra Park.

New Zealand's four-year-old mare of the year Bachelorette (Albert Albert-Gretna's Girl) racked up another victory defeating a handy field of five win and faster trotters from a stand over the 2700m.Driven by Phillip Butcher, the Dave Kaa trained five-year-old, stepped cleanly and led all of the way, albeit setting a sedate pace.

She eventually won by a head over Taylamade Dee (Sundon-Classic Dee), who continues to be an enigma on racenight, and Cool Story, (Armbro Invasion-Cool Store) who ran on well after settling at the back of the field. The Morrinsville trained trotter looks on track for another southern sojourn next month. The time was 3:42.9 with a half in 60.5 but the trotters came a very good quarter in 28.5. Of the other heats, Vinnie Barbarino (Christian Cullen-Jaguar Strike), continued his unbeaten trial streak with another effortless victory.

This time he won a maiden heat after trailing leader Jabal Akdar (Live Or Die-Leterluce) before taking the passing line and running away, winning by three lengths in the hands of trainer Todd Mitchell. Punters in the Waikato area cannot wait until this lovely son of Christian Cullen lines up on race night.

Bourne Supremacy (Holmes Hanover-Bionic Sound), ran on well also to split the pair and finish second. The time was again very good, 2:48.5 and a half in 59.6.

The other maiden heat was won by Papakura visitor Allin On The River (Riverboat King-Blistering Belle, driven by trainer Jay Abernethy. The stylish looking gelding led the entire 2200m distance to win by a half length over the trailer Luminescence (Badlands Hanover-Shining Through).The time was a slow 2:54.1, but the pace increased over the last half with a 59.4 last 800 and the last quarter in 28.9. Abernethy never let the brakes off and also never pulled the ear plugs, showing that this was nothing more than a fitness assignment.

FIRST TRAINING WIN FOR DAVID MARSHALL

David Marshall has many years of experience in the racing industry both working for trainers and as an owner, but Thursday evening at Cambridge Raceway marked a milestone for him when he won with the first horse he has trained under his own name.

Udare, an eight year old gelding won the Junior Drivers’ 2700 mobile pace, having just his second start for David, (his first being a second placing at Alexandra Park, Auckland, two weeks ago). Udare was previously trained at Cambridge by Kevin Shaw before going to Colin Harrison at Ashburton. David bought the horse from Colin and is racing it in partnership with friends. It races in David’s own colours which were originally designed by his son Kyle, who wore them as his Kidz Kartz colours. David decided they would do perfectly and registered them.

On Thursday evening, Udare was driven by junior driver, Gary Gillies, he flew out from the gate to go to the lead and stayed there, patiently rated by Gary, he dictated his own terms. In the home straight Matter of Pride, driven by Matt White put in a big challenge, but Udare dug deep and came again, taking the win by 1 ¼ lengths in a time of 2.50, the last 800 in 58.3, the last 400 in 27.4.

Sean Mc Caffrey also had a very nice win with Move Heaven Andearth; the four year old Christian Cullen mare previously trained in Canterbury, has raced for Sean’s stable since June and been in, or close to the money on all occasions, taking her second win on Thursday evening in the up to two win fillies and mares 2200 metre mobile pace. Driven by Maurice Mc Kendry, Move Heaven And Earth was settled at the rear early and then went quickly round the field 1400 out from home, staying there comfortably to win in 2.47.1, the last half in 59.0, the last 400 in 29.2.

John and David Butcher also had a win with Under My Thumb, a four year old Armbro Operative gelding who won the maiden mobile pace over 2700 metres. This was the gelding’s sixth race start, but the first one over the longer distance. Driven by David, Under My Thumb, was settled back, moved up the fence and got a run through up the passing lane to snatch the win by half a head from Stephen Doody on Mushashi. Time for the race was 3.33.2. with the last 800 in 61.3, the last 400 in 31.5.

The Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Racing Club races at Cambridge again on Thursday 20th September.

CONGRATULATIONS TO CAMBRIDGE WINNERS

The Ice Bloodstock Annual Harness Racing Awards Dinner was held in Christchurch on Saturday evening. Local horse Bachelorette, owned by Dave and Michelle Kaa of Cambridge, and trained by Dave, took the award for Four Year Old Mare of the Year, and Cambridge driver, Peter Ferguson was Harness Driver of The Year.

The full list of winners is as below:

The 2006/2007 season was a highly successful one, the increase in stake money and inaugural Harness Jewels day at Ashburton made for an exciting time to be involved in Harness Racing here in New Zealand. The votes have been counted and the winners announced at the Ice Bloodstock Annual Harness Racing Awards dinner held in Christchurch.

PACING

TROTTING

TROTTER OF THE YEAR ONE OVER KENNY

OTHER WINNERS

MITCHELL GELDING QUALIFIES NICELY

Tauwhare trainer Todd Mitchell has seemingly had a production line of stylish qualifiers lately, and another one of those was on display at the Cambridge-Te Awamutu Harness Racing Club's qualifying trials on Thursday afternoon.

With only one pacing heat it was a quiet affair, but the action heated up with the appearance of Vinnie Barbarino (3g Christian Cullen-Jaguar Strike).The rangy type had impressed many with his effortless unqualified heat wins the previous two Saturdays at the Cambridge workouts and was undoubtedly ready for yesterday’s hit out.

In the hands of Mitchell, Vinnie Barbarino left the gate well before trailing eventual runner up Trigirl Brigade (Mach Three-Smithie's Delight). The Sean McCaffrey trained Mach Three filly only set up a fairly average speed for much of the journey before Vinnie Barbarino peeled out at the quarter and under a huge stranglehold cut out a 27.7 final 400m. The time of 2:51.8 for the journey wasn't bad under the circumstances, and the half in 57.7 was aided by the sprint home. There were some thirteen lengths to the third placed runner, Maturus (Mattuity-Scene Stealer).

Vinnie Barbarino, named after a television star played by John Travolta in the seventies on the show Welcome Back Kotter, won by three quarters of a length, but the hold on him by his driver was such that the margin could have been five times that. The gelding was bred by Lee Seeds, who after selling two-thirds of the horse has retained a share and looks set to have a lot of fun.

Mitchell will give the horse an easy week before possibly setting him for a maiden race in the middle of September, if he isn't sold. "We haven’t found the bottom of him yet, everything he has done has been easy to him, he's definitely a nice horse", said Mitchell soon after the trial.

The owner has the point of view that anything has a price and there is a chance that Vinnie Barbarino could be headed off-shore, but if he doesn't, he looks to be a big chance of winning a maiden in the early spring.

With so much young talent in his stable, Todd Mitchell looks set for a huge season.

Jason Teaz

TWO WEEKS IN A ROW FOR FAYANNI

Dr Luk Chin made it two in a row at Alexandra Park, Auckland, when the Franklin Trotting Club raced on Friday night. Fresh up from last week’s win, Fayanni, a five year old Armbro Invasion mare, bred, owned, trained and driven by Luk, came out again to win the one two win handicap trot over 2700metres impressively.

The mare went out well from the two draw, this week from a stand as opposed to the previous week’s mobile, and sat at third on the fence, holding the two leaders from crossing for 400 metres. Fayanni was then pushed back to the rear and 400metres from home pulled out and went round the field; she was four wide in the straight and proved too big, too strong, beating them all home in a time of 3.37.8, the last 800 in 60.9, the last 400 in 30.6. 2 ¾ lengths away was the favorite, Battle Heights, followed by Strapless.

CONGRATULATIONS DAVID BUTCHER

Congratulations to top Cambridge driver and Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Club committee man, David Butcher, who drove the champion three year old colt Changeover to win in his final of the Australasian Breeders Crown, at Ballarat, Victoria on Sunday evening. David made it look easy as he took the Geoff Small trained runner to the lead at the start of the raced and held it for the whole of the race, running away comfortably and unchallenged in the home straight.

CAMBRIDGE WORKOUTS with Jason Teaz

On a wet and wintry Saturday morning at Cambridge Raceway, the Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Racing Club’s workouts were conducted on a slushy track. The track and weather conditions didn't stop some horses from showing top form however.

Presidential Belle (Presidential Ball-Nuclear Atom) overcame her dislike for left handed tracks winning a 1-2 win pace stylishly in the hands of regular pilot Nicky Chilcott.

The now four-year-old mare looked a little scratchy in her preliminary but once warmed up and going she seemed happier.Also noticeable was the addition of a murphy blind to her gear.

She settled third early in the five horse field before moving to sit parked and quite simply out-toughed her rivals to win by a half length over a game pacemaker Doc Towho (Live Or Die-Evaluation) in a time of 2:49.5 and running the half in 58.8. She looks hard to beat against her own sex in the two win grade.

Another very good mare in Monaro (In The Pocket-Club Sport) was again turned out in magnificent order by trainer Todd Mitchell, and once again won easily, as she did last week .This time she won a standing start event over 2700m for three win and faster horses, albeit with only the three starters.

A good pace was set by five win trotter Taylamade Dee (Sundon-Classic Dee) with Monaro trailing and Crescendo last, and the two Mitchell horses finished over the top to quinella the heat. Monaro hooked out at the straight entrance and pulled away to win by three lengths in a time of 3:37.5 and running home in 59.0 and 28.2 respectively.

A good sized field of nine maidens went round over 2200m with J D's Chrimar (Live Or Die-Chrimar Princess), a five-year-old gelding trained by Allan Andrews of Te Kuiti and driven by Phil Jeffries, winning. Good speed was on most of the way with J D's Chrimar coming from off the pace to win by a head over a very game Bailey's Passion (Ermis-Queen Vance) and Contessa Adoro (Christian Cullen-Holmes Wonder). The former sat parked all the way and looks a top chance on Thursday night at the Cambridge race meeting. The time was a fair 2:52.5 running home in 60.7 for the half but the pace increased with a 29.2 last 400m.

In other action an impressive unqualified winner from last week in Vinnie Barbarino (Christian Cullen-Jaguar Strike) repeated the dose with an even more emphatic run winning by six lengths, running a more respectable 2:59.5 and cutting out a very nice 27.7 final quarter. He looks a certain qualifier next Thursday prior to the meeting when the qualifying trials are held. Trainer Todd Mitchell holds the impressive son of Christian Cullen in very high regard.

Racing in the Waikato looks forward to the Cambridge-Te Awamutu Harness Racing Club’s meeting on Thursday night with the action kicking off at 5.55pm.

PATIENCE PAYS OFF FOR DR LUK CHIN

Patience paid off for Dr Luk Chin at Alexandra Park, Auckland, on Thursday night. The Cambridge trainer drove Fayanni to a win in the 2700 metre maiden trot. Luk Chin bred the five year old Armbro Invasion – Faye’s Jewel mare and has only begun racing her in the last few months. Nine starts have seen Fayanni learn and improve, and on Thursday night she beat them home in a very nice time of 3.33.5. After going out fast off the gate, she was pushed back on the inside and with a lap to go was sitting at the rear on the outside. Pulled wide at the 400 mark she trotted home strongly to beat Lady Boyz and Arbee into second and third respectively.

PETER FERGUSON STARTS THE SEASON OFF WELL

Last season’s drivers’ premiership winner Cambridge’s Peter Ferguson has started the new season well and is again leading with four wins so far, three of which he drove on Thursday night, two for trainer Gareth Dixon with Mr Ricky and the Daisy, and then with the Michelle Wallis trained Flying Messiah. His first win of the season was last week at Auckland with Benromach.

CAMBRIDGE WORKOUTS with Jason Teaz

On a relatively quiet morning at Cambridge Raceway on the 11th of August, the most tightly assessed horse engaged at the Cambridge-Te Awamutu harness Racing Clubs workouts caught the eye.

Monaro (In The Pocket-Club Sport), now a six-year old mare, won the 1 to 6 win mobile pace in the hands of her trainer Todd Mitchell. Having not been seen since her last race start on January 26 of this year, Monaro fronted in outstanding condition, winning by three lengths, defeating Udare (Dare You To-Sapporo Light) and Gracious Legend (In The Pocket-Kind Hearted) who battled into third. Monaro recorded by far the quickest time of the session, running 2:50.5 for the 2200m, the last 800m in 58.8 and the quarter in 28.4 .Although she looks very forward, she is in a tough grade, but against her own sex she will be hard to beat.

Mitchell also produced Vinnie Barbarino (Christian Cullen-Jaguar Strike) a three year old to win very impressively in the learners heat. It was the gelding’s first public appearance. He sat parked, and took advantage of late interference to win by four lengths, again driven by Todd himself. His time was average for learners at 3:02.3, his half in 60.6, but his quarter was good running 28.9 .He should qualify in the next couple of weeks and looks like being a nice maiden.

The other winner was well related, The Guardian (Holmes Hanover-Cape Mirany) who won the non-winners heat, albeit in a slow time of 2:53.2, giving Todd Mitchell a hat-trick of winning drives.

The gelding is a half brother to other succesful horses from the John Dickie stable in Innocent Bystander and Semper Felix, and a half sister to South Island winner Chausettes Blanche.

He had trialed at Alexandra Park last Tuesday and had improved with the run and should improve more being by Holmes Hanover

BELLETTI READY FOR BALLARAT

Four year old Cambridge mare Belletti, travels to Ballarat, Australia, on Saturday where she will compete in the semi finals of the Breeders’ Crown on Tuesday. If successful the Badlands Hanover mare, trained by Sean McCaffrey, will compete in the final for her age group on Sunday 19th August.

Sean says he is happy with her work and if she qualifies on Tueasday, and gets a reasonable draw in the final, he thinks she is capable of picking up some stake money. There is only one worry on his mind and that is if it is raining it will not suit Belletti at all. The talented mare detests the rain and refused to run on in a workout at Cambridge on Saturday morning in the rain, so Sean has his fingers crossed for fine weather.

Monday 30th July

Two heats of the Australasian Breeders Crown were held at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday evening, one for the three year old fillies and one for three year old colts and geldings. As there were only two contestants in each race, both heats were run as non tote races.

In the fillies race, Belletti, a Badlands Hanover filly, trained by Sean McCaffrey and driven by Maurice McKendry, came home to qualify for the final, in 2.47.4 for the 2200 meters mobile pace, four lengths in front of Presidential Ball filly, Presidential Belle, trained by Bruce Brodie and David Odlum and driven by Nicky Chilcott.

Competition was fierce in the boys’ race with In The Pocket colt, Changeover, pitted against, Christian Cullen colt, Gotta Go Cullen. The Geoff Small trained, Changeover, drew the one barrier position and driver David Butcher, and took him out to lead from Gotta Go Cullen with Todd Mitchell in the sulky. The positions remained the same throughout the race, Changeover holding out Gotta Go Cullen to win 2.45.9. The ATC Syndicate who owns the winner was present in force to cheer the winner on, and to celebrate. Many of them are looking forward to traveling with the colt to Ballarat for the Breeders Crown race on Sunday 19th August.

Gotta Go Cullen who until this week was owned and trained by Sue Martin, has been purchased for a reportedly seven figure sum by Ian Dobson, who confirms that instead of traveling to Australia to qualify for the Breeders Crown, will now head to the spelling paddock and on his return to racing, will be trained by Tony Herlihy.

Top Cambridge reinsman, Peter Ferguson has taken out the Drivers Premiership for this season, and also notched up his 100th win for the season, on Thursday night, when he drove Izshefaking to a comfortable win in what was his second last drive for the current season.

Only a small number of horses at Saturday’s Cambridge workouts. Doreens Dream, a two year old filly by Washington VC won the learners pace for trainer Brendan Schumacher, by five lengths, in a time of 2.58.2.

The maiden pace was won by the Allan Andrews trained, Live or Die gelding, J D’S Chrimar, in 2.48.9, in a close finish with Merrigoround, trained by John and David Butcher. J D’S Chrimar is returning to racing from a spell. The four year old had four race starts before being turned out in November.

The one to two wins heats over 2200 meters was won by Doc Towho, trained by Robbie Hughes. The gelding by Live Or Die is also returning to racing after being turned out in March. Time for the heat was 2.48.1.

Racing at Cambridge takes a break until Thursday 23rd August, which will be the first race of the new season for the club. All horses turn a year older this Wednesday 1st August, which is the official horse’s birthday.

MONEY COMING IN FOR OUTSIDER by Andrew Morris

Upon the market opening on the clash between Gotta Go Cullen and Changeover there was a strong rally for the outsider. I nice dollop of $3,000 on Gotta Go Cullen got the ball rolling and some further speculating has seen the big Christian Cullen colt plummet in almost a dollar to $3.30.

Now that the concept has bedded in and people have assessed the early market, opinions of the outcome may now start to polarize. Who will lead? If this is a match race akin to those in the past, will it simply be a gift to the leader. Does Gotta Go Cullen have the sheer speed give him a slight advantage? Will Changeover's ability to unfurl relentless sections overwhelm Gotta Go Cullen? Will Changeover's recent workout be enough to fit him to beat his race-hardened rival?

It promises to be a truly mouth-watering contest. Regardless of the outcome, regardless of the tactics and nature of the spectacle, this encounter will liven up winter and give those in stables, racetracks and bars around the country something to talk abut for weeks to come.

Changeover v Gotta Go Cullen is a goer! By Andrew Morris

We can’t get ready to rumble or get it on, they’ve both been patented, trademarked or are under copyright but we can enjoy the two best three-year-olds in New Zealand going head-to-head in a good, old-fashioned, unadulterated match race at Cambridge on Thursday night.

The match will take place between Races 8 and 9 on Thursday night, the perfect winter Pick 6 accompaniment and fitting season finale.

The TAB will be offering Fixed Odds on the race and while Changeover is expected to be a dominant force in pre post betting, there are a few statistics that may allow for some Gotta Go Cullen lobbying.

Gotta Go Cullen and Changeover have met 13 times in total. The score currently sits at seven-six to Gotta Go Cullen. Changeover’s winning strike rate is 61%, Gotta Go Cullen’s 57%. On the Group One count it’s three all, but that includes Changeover’s NRM Sires Stakes Final.

The Cambridge track too has been a veritable graveyard for the pair. Gotta Go Cullen has won two of four starts on the course while Changeover has mustered just one win from three attempts around the 1000-metre Cambridge circuit.

The TAB has already opened betting on the fixture. Harness racing bookmaker Stephen Richardson has framed an initial market that has Changeover at $1.20 and Gotta Go Cullen at $4.20. TAB Fixed Odds Option 200.

This will be the first significant “match race” for many years. The heats of the Australasian Breeders Crown have thrown up some two-horse races over recent years but this is different. Not since 1977 when Nigel Craig defeated Petite Evander have two such class racehorses competed in a match.

GOTTA GO CULLEN UNDER OFFER

Gotta Go Cullen is reportedly under offer for a seven figure sum to Ian Dobson, who will complete the deal on Monday 30th July subject to the colt passing a veterinary inspection this Friday.

Sue Martin will race the colt at Cambridge on Thursday evening and should he fail to qualify for the Breeders Crown then, he will head to Victoria to qualify with new trainer Tony Herlihy.

SATURDAY WORKOUTS with Jason Teaz

South Auckland trainer Brent Mangos brought his two Christian Cullen colts to the Cambridge workouts on Saturday morning, in good order. They won their respective maiden heats, and albeit in fairly average times, the manner in which they did so was impressive.

I'm An Eyre (Christian Cullen-Miss Dufton) a 2 year old, won the first maiden heat by six lengths after leading for the most part of the heat in a sedate 2:53.3 for the 2200m but running home in cool conditions in 58.5 for the half, and his last 400m in 28.2.

Christian Skipper (Christian Cullen-Love Connection) utilised similar tactics as his stablemate, leading all the way, and winning by five lengths in a slightly quicker 2:51.3; running his last half in 59.2, the scant regard with which these two treated their opposition, would suggest that they both will be maiden race winners at short notice for owner Gary Harding, best known in greyhound racing fame, racing the dogs with the Thrilling prefix.

Another to show that his best from wasn't far away was classy three year old Gracious Legend (In The Pocket-Kind Hearted) from the Mike Berger stable who came from off the pace to win a 1 win heat in 2:53.7 and running the last 800m in 60.4.

The trot on the programme was won by the talented but highly erratic Mister Maharg who trotted all the way, and won stylishly by four lengths in the hands of Cambridge horsewoman Arna Donnelly, running a time of 3:36.8 for the 2700m, with his last 800m in 61.0.His manners were second to none on this occasion.

Finally Belletti (Badlands Hanover-Tory Franco) proved that she was still on target for the Australasian breeders crown heat on Thursday with another impressive front running display, winning by three lengths over moderate opposition in 2:47.6 and zipping home in 57.8 for the last 800m.Trainer/driver Sean McCaffrey had a look of exuberant confidence on his face after the win.

Harness racing moves to Cambridge Thursday night with another good programme promised, featuring the match race three year old breeders crown heat with Changeover (In The Pocket-Chaangerr) and the recently sold Gotta Go Cullen (Christian Cullen-Sparkling Burgundy) sure to draw in a good crowd.

TWO WINS AT CAMBRIDGE FOR SEAN MC CAFFREY

Trainer Sean McCaffrey had a nice win on Thursday evening at CambridgeRaceway with three year old Christian Cullen filly,. Move Heaven Andearth, who until recently had been raced from Tim Butt’s stable in Christchurch. She has now had two starts for Sean, for a third and now a win. Driven by Maurice McKendry she settled back early, moved forward at the 1700 mark to sit three back and came three wide at the 400 metres to take the lead at the top of the home straight and run away to win comfortably in 2.47.7

Sean’s other win came from Waingaro Grandview, a three year old Badlands Hanover gelding having its third race start. Another patient drive by Maurice McKendry, saw the horse sit four back on the outside until the last 600 when Maurice took him forward, and he fought on well in the straight to win in 2.49.3. in a close finish with Frankie McQuire. Waingaro Grandview who went out favourite in the race following an impressive run at the workouts the previous Saturday, is part owned by Cambridge Raceway Manager, Kerry Wells.

PLANS FOR NEW STABLES AT CAMBRIDGE UNDERWAY

The Cambridge/Te Awamutu Harness Racing committee has now approved the concept plans submitted for the new stable complex at Cambridge Raceway. The next step is to have the resource consent applied for and approved by the Waipa District Council. It is hope of the committee that the stable block and new birdcage area will be finished in time for the Harness Jewels Day which takes place at the raceway on May 31st next year.

CAMBRIDGE WORKOUTS with Jason Teaz A quiet session of workouts on a beautiful winters day at Cambridge were highlighted by the two Australia bound fillies Belletti (Badlands Hanover-Tory Franco) and Presidential Belle (Presidential Ball-Nuclear Atom).

Their heat, a one win and faster workout over 2200m was won by Belletti, who led all the way and held off all challengers to win by a half length untouched for trainer/driver Sean McCaffrey.

She ran the journey in 2:46.6, her last mile in 2:01 and put together two 28 second quarters running home in 57.3. Belletti's younger half-brother, Sir Artsplace, was an impressive debut victor at Addington last evening. Both Belletti and Presidential Belle looked strong with the latter having missed work and a race this week due to a stone bruise. The Nicky Chilcott-driven filly was patiently handled, settling well back in the six-horse field before jumping to the 1x1 and was not knocked around, eventually running third.

Both look on track for their breeders crown heat in a fortnight at Cambridge. The emergence of another impressive two year old trotter from the Waikato was the other highlight on the day. Sovereignty (Monarchy-Lockerup) won an unqualified and faster trot over 2200m.

The big and bold son of Monarchy worked to the lead early and never looked like getting run down, winning in 3:06 and running impressive sectionals in 59.9 for the 800m and 29.7 for the quarter. Purchased from the Roydon Lodge dispersal sale by former champion horseman Charlie Hunter, Sovereignty looks like with further improvement he could be a huge contender next season. Two year old filly Hayley Brogden (Christian Cullen-Miss Hazel), a maiden winner at Cambridge on the 28th of June, won a juvenile heat over 1700m beating inexperienced opposition by seven lengths running 2:13.8.

WORKOUT FORM GOOD PRIOR TO THURSDAY RACING

Twenty six horses went round at Cambridge Raceway’s workouts on Saturday morning. In the learners heat, three year old Il Vicolo gelding, McAlister having his first outing at the track, ran on well to win in a time of 2.57.8 for the 2200metres. He is trained by Todd Mitchell.

In the non winners 2200 metre pace Cooby ran home in 2.50.7. The three year old Iraklis filly who is now in the John Dickie barn, was disqualified from third place in her debut run, but lines up on Thursday night at Cambridge in the first race, a fillies and mares maiden pace, and should go well.

Presidential Belle led all of the way for driver Nicky Chilcott in the one to five win pacing heat. The talented filly held off the challengers to win in a time of 2.52, the last half in 58.6, the last 4900 in 29.6. She was to have raced on Thursday night at Cambridge, but has been scratched from the Waikato Mares’ Championship.

Panorama Drama who has been racing well for trainer Kevin Shaw was a handy second in the heat. She has draw nicely at two in the second race at Cambridge.

Waingaro Grandview ran away from the other two year olds in the 1700 metre heat, winning in 2.13.8, the last half in 59.9, the last 400 in 29.5. He lines up for this third race start on Thursday night in the 2200 metre maiden boys race.

Psychedelic Rose who has recently shifted trainers from Paul Cooke to David Kaa, has put in nice workouts the last two Saturdays’. She will line up in the discretionary trot on Thursday night.

A ten horse card for Thursday night’s meeting at Cambridge Raceway. The first race gets underway at 5.55pm. Join us for an excellent nights’ entertainment.

FOUR WINNING DRIVES FOR DAVID BUTCHER

Cambridge driver David Butcher could do no wrong at Thursday night’s harness meeting at Cambridge Raceway. He managed to drive four winners and also three close second placings out of ten races, which didn’t leave much for anyone else. David drove Endeavor who he also trains with his father, John Butcher, to a nice win; two Geoff Small trained horses, Zenad and Pocket Baileyship; and Sally Fenning trained Walk This Way.

His second placings came on Panorama Drama for Kevin Shaw, Star Man for Paul Green, and Conte Del Forno for Roger Villiger.

TOP JUNIOR DRIVERS TO BE AT CAMBRIDGE AGAIN

The leading drivers in the Junior Drivers Premiership for the season, Gavin Smith and Nathan Williamson attended Thursday nights race meeting with Gavin having five drives and Nathan four.

Unfortunately neither driver managed to pick up a win, but they will both be back for what will be the last two race meetings at Cambridge for the current season, on Thursday 12th July and Thursday 26th July, and will be looking to book drives for those meetings. Gavin is at present ahead of Nathan by four wins.

TWO CAMBRIDGE WINNERS AT AUCKLAND

The Auckland Trotting Club's meeting at Alexandra Park, Auckland, on Friday night, saw two local Cambridge horses have wins. Presidential Belle, a three year old filly by Christian Cullen came home to win impressively in the one to two win fillies 2200metre mobile pace. The smart filly is trained by Bruce Brodie and David Odlum, and Friday night she took out her fifth win from thirteen starts. Her mile rate record is 1.58.7

On Friday night she was taken to the lead early by driver Nicky Chilcott and stayed there for the remainer of the race, holding off a determined challenge by Todd Mitchell on Tiz A Cullen, and running away in the straight to win by four and a half lengths from Jazz Bromac, driven by Maurice Mc Kendry, in a time of 2.47.1, the last 800 metres in 61.0, the last 400 metres in 31.5.

The other local win came from Miss Cullen in the fillies and mares maiden 2200 meter pace. The five year old Christian Cullen mare is trained and was driven by Todd Mitchell, who settled the mare back in the field, then took her forward three wide at the 1200 meters mark to sit outside the leader with a lap to go. Miss Cullen went to the lead 500 meters from home, holding out a challenge in the straight from Alberta Jewel, to win by half a length in a time of 2.49.3, the last 800 meters in 59.8.

The rain held off on Saturday morning for the workouts at Cambridge Raceway, and a good turnout of forty six horses took part.

The learner pace over 2200 metres was won by Takim, a two year old gelding by D M Dilinger, who is trained by Cambridge committee man, Peter Fraser. Time for the heat was 2.56.6.

In the first non winners pace, Knight Home came home to win for trainer/driver, Pat Hall. The five year old gelding by Tuapeka Knight qualified in September 2005, and has not yet raced. Time for the heat was 2.52.8, the last 800 in 61.8, the last 400 in 29.6.

Hayley Brogden came home first in a close finish in the two year old mobile pace over 2200 metres. The Nicky Chilcott trained filly by Christian Cullen qualified in May and is yet unraced. Time for the heat was 2.54.1, the last half in 60.9, the last 400 in 29.3.

The second maiden heat of the morning was won by Bailey's Passion, trained by Barry Cullen and driven by daughter Tracey. It ran home very nicely in a time of 2.52.4. The four year old Ermis gelding qualified this time last year but has only begun racing in May of this year. He has had five race starts to date for a second placing.

The maiden trot over 2700 metres was won decisively by John Dickie's four year old Britewell gelding, Star Runner Dee, who came home four lengths in front of Warren Taylor and Earleen Castleton. The Time for hear was 3.44. Star Runner Dee has had two race day starts.

The Bryan Macey trained Homin Dry was superior in the two to seven win pace. He took out the heat by half a length from Torpedo Holme in 2.49.0 Homin Dry ran a nice second his last start at Cambridge a month ago behind the in form Diamond Dan.

The last heat of the morning, the one win pace over 2200 metres, was a quinella for trainer Mike Berger, with Gracious Legend finishing half a length in front of stablemate Its OK Flyin in 2.51.9.

The Cambridge/Te awamutu Harness Racing Club races at the Cambridge Raceway tomorrow evening, Thursday 28th June. We look forward to seeing you there.

FOUR CAMBRIDGE HORSES IN THE HARNESS JEWELS

This Saturday at Ashburton sees the running of the inaugural meeting of the Harness Jewels, an event which is shaping up to become the highlight of the harness year. Stakes for the day total $1,500,000, spread between nine age group races, each a mile and each made up of the top twelve stakes winners for the season in that group.

The fields for the day have been drawn and there are four local Cambridge horses in the line up.

Bachelorette, who is the top stakes winner in the four year old mares section is going to face a tough ask having drawn the number nine spot on the outside of the gate. Her driver Phillip Butcher must take her forward off the gate, and the race will be a testament to the skills of her trainer David Kaa if Bachelorette salutes the judge first.

In the three year old fillies section the hot favourite One Dream has drawn well at four and altho