Woodend Beach trainer Matt Purvis takes a trio of intriguing runners to tonight’s meeting at Addington Raceway.
Kicking off in race one, the TAB 2nd & 3rd Bonus Cash Back Mobile Pace over 1980m, Kotare Kelso ($21.00FF) with driver Sheree Tomlinson will be looking to be competitive from his wide draw of seven. Purvis suggests a freshen-up has the four-year-old Always B Miki gelding in a good head space.
“He’s had a bit of a freshen-up, and he seems good for it,” said Purvis.
“He was hanging like a cheap suit last time out, but he still managed to rip home in 27 seconds for his last quarter.
“He’s a hard case and gets up on the chewy a bit. Sheree’s been doing a great job with him, so it’ll be up to her how things go.”
Cheer The Captain ($2.70FF) for Steve & Amanda Telfer looks the obvious horse to beat, drawn two with Tim Williams in the sulky.
Gavelhouse purchase Blackjack ($16.00FF) lines up for Purvis for the first time in race three, the IRT Your Horse. Our Passion Mobile Pace over 1980m, with Sam Ottley in the sulky. The three year old Bettor’s Delight gelding has had four starts at Alexandra Park for trainers Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan before arriving to the Purvis barn. A few minor gear changes, and a change in bearing, have Purvis hopeful of a good performance.
“He looked like he couldn’t get the Auckland way of going. He’s a lovely little horse. Barry’s done a great job with him. His work’s been really solid.”
“He’s a good top-four chance in that field.”
Riptide for the Telfer team looks likely to start as a warm favourite, currently at $2.80FF.
Debutant Do You Wanna Dance ($7.50FF) lines up in the fourth, the Peninsular Beachfront Resort Mooloolaba Mobile Pace over 1980m, with Robbie Close to drive. The three-year-old
Lather Up filly is unbeaten in two trials – including her qualifying effort at Rangiora on June 18 where she won by six lengths, almost seven seconds under the required time.
“She’s got the motor – it’s just the head department that’s the worry at this stage.”
“She’s from the family breeding.”
Do You Wanna Dance was bred by the Purvis whanau, out of broodmare Dancing In The Dark, making her a half-sister to Dance With The Boss, who has won five races for Purvis, while the family traces back to the likes of Smoke On The Water, who won nine.
“If she puts it all together, then she should be in the finish.”
Currently there is a battle for favouritism between the Telfer runner Arden Seascape ($2.30FF) and the Bob Butt trained and driven debutant Keep Smiling ($2.90FF).
Race one gets underway at 5:14pm.