By Mike Love
West Melton trainer Joseph Gray is set for a busy afternoon at Rangiora today, with three runners across the card.
Gray’s best hope comes in Race Six, the Enjoy and Support Kidz Carts Racing At Rangiora Today Pace over 2600 metres (3:04pm), where junior driver Alana Cameron will take the drive on the Stay Hungry four-year-old gelding John Stewart ($2.80FF).
“He’s a nice horse. He’s come on well from his last race where they went a New Zealand record on the grass,” Gray said.
Having won three from 15 starts, Gray is convinced there’s a lot more to come from him in the future.
Gray has made a tactical change for today’s standing start assignment – placing John Stewart onto the unruly – to help get away safely from the tapes.
“He’s probably the best horse I’ve put a bridle on. It’ll get harder for him the higher up the grades, but I think he will handle it,” said Gray.
Cameron also takes the reins on Motor Mouth ($23.00FF) in Race 1, the Barnsy’s All Trade Services Mobile Pace over 1950 metres (12:15pm). He’s been knocking on the door without quite breaking through, but should be in the finish with a bit of luck in running. Getting back onto the grass at Rangiora is a big plus too.
“The track at Addington last time out was too hard for him as he jars up – so he will enjoy being back on the grass,” Gray said.
Baffled ($26.00FF) in Race 2, the Rangiora Hockey – Thanks For Your Assistance At CATR Trot over 2600 metres (12:40pm) will also be driven by Cameron. The mare has been coming along nicely, and last start driver Blair Orange was full of encouragement postrace at Addington last Wednesday according to Gray.
“Baffled went good on Wednesday and Blair jumped off her and said she’ll pick one up soon. She’s come on really good and was bucking on the lead this morning,” Gray said.
Rangiora’s 10 race programme gets underay at 12.15pm