By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
Already having his best ever season, trainer-driver Matty White has an interesting book of drives at Alexandra Park on Friday night.
He will continue his association with the in-form pairing of Tytate and Bettor Reaction, and also line up two first starters from his Clevedon barn.
Both two-year-olds, Milford, a Raging Bull gelding, will start in Race 2, the Tardina Stud – Here for the Horse Mobile Pace and Iron Mike Tyson, a $40,000 purchase from the 2024 National Yearling sales at Karaka, will debut in Race 7, the Lincoln Farms – Here for the Horse Mobile Pace.
“They are in the same boat,” says White, “they have been at the trials and they head to the races inexperienced and they will be better off for that.”
“The draw (8) is against Milford so Iron Mike is the better chance. He does have a good turn of foot.”
“Milford is a bit green and faces a nice enough maiden field.”
Milford is currently at $5.50, with his rivals including Captain Moonlight ($4.80FF), The Rascal ($3.50FF) and The Night Angel ($2.15).
Milford is raced by White’s wife Brigette Solomon and father Les White, who lines up the in-form Bettor Reaction ($7.50FF) in Race 4. Matthew White will again take the drive.
“He’s been a model of consistency and I can’t see why he wouldn’t be there or thereabouts again.”
Iron Mike Tyson meanwhile is owned by gun West Australian trainers Greg and Skye Bond.
“He’s not 100 per cent in his gait yet,” says White, “but he has ability and has shown some potential.”.
And heading to Perth is not on his immediate agenda.
“He’s staying put for the meantime.”
Iron Mike Tyson is at $18 in a market dominated by the two Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained runners Alecto ($2) and Andretti ($1.75).
White will also line up his best performer of late Tytate ($2.10) in the night’s opening race, the Diamond Racing Here for the Horse Mobile Pace. The American Ideal four-year-old mare has won her last three.
“She’s really found her groove and racing very tractable, early on she was very keen.”
He has plans to head to the Winter Rewards with her at Cambridge and then the Golden Gait at Alexandra Park in December.
Her success has helped him to 19 wins so far this year. It’s his best ever tally, eclipsing the 16 he had in 2021 and 2024.
“We have a nice team and if you find the right races they can do a good job for you.”
