By Mike Love
Ashburton trainer-driver John Hay returns from winter hibernation to line up his well-thought-of gelding Moonshiner on the grass at Methven today.
In what could be the omen bet considering the full moon this weekend, Moonshiner is a $3.50 favourite in Race 7, the Peter Lagan Standardbreds Pace over 2400m at 2.49pm.
“I haven’t raced anything over the past few winters. I went on holiday for a month, so he (Moonshiner) had five weeks off.
“I’m working eight at the moment. All just young ones and qualifiers. He’s the only racehorse I’ve got at the moment,” said Hay.
The three-year-old Always B Miki gelding has not raced since winning his maiden back in April at Banks Peninsula, but trainer Hay still expects a good run.
“I’m happy with his work at home. He’s done plenty. His workout was good, although we didn’t go much time,” said Hay.
That workout was just last week at Methven, and although the times weren’t worth a second look, he still won very nicely. His last 800 was 64.2.
“I expect him to go a good race. Just whether or not he can win, I don’t know. But he will improve a lot with the run too, whatever he does.”
Moonshiner is no stranger to the Mt Harding circuit. As well as wining the workout he placed there too before winning his maiden.
“He’s carrying a bit more weight this time, but that could just be him now. He’s strengthened up a lot,” said Hay.
While Moonshiner is having his first race out of maidens at just his sixth race day appearance, other horses in the event are much more experienced. Santanna Mach ($10.00FF), for instance, has won 23 races from 246 starts. Swift Guy ($.5.50) looks set to start second favourite while Logan Rock and Fergalicious are also well supported ($6.50).
