By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
Bob Butt will venture north with a big team to one of his favourite tracks on Friday.
The Woodend-based trainer-driver will take six to Nelson’s Richmond Park.
“Along with Addington I reckon it’s the best in the country, it’s a lovely big track and they can win from anywhere,” says Butt.
Butt will drive five of his own and also have two outside drives, including the Tim Trathen-trained Shanky’s Shot.
“I’ve driven him in all his starts and he’s a lovely horse.”
The three-year-old has had two seconds from three career starts and has drawn well (3) in Race 5, the Turf Hotel Mobile Pace (2000m).
His day starts with one of his own One Eyed Bandit in the first, the BMTT/Design Art Mobile Pace (3.05pm).
“He has his fair share of ability but not the best manners .. in saying that he has the ability to win it.”
The Always B Miki four-year-old has won two from seven and comes into the race after a last start eighth at Motukarara after a tough run.
Hawk Touie Louie will have just his second race day start in in Race 3, the Palms Motel Pace. On debut he finished third behind Zeus Lightning at Addington.
“He won a trial a couple of weeks ago and looks quite a nice maiden,” says Butt.”
“He’s a chance.”
In Race 6 Butt will partner the Murray Pash-trained Sargent Henry in the Steph Monopoli Summit Mobile Pace, after he won his last start at Westport.
“That was a good win but this is a step up in grade .. but he could go a good race on his home track.”
Since his win on December 28 he has also won a trial at Nelson.
Former buzz two-year-old Ukraine returns for his second run this campaign and looks like a good each way chance in Race 7, the Hoani Jack Cup (5.57pm).
He was a fast finishing second at Rangiora on New Year’s Day after beginning awkwardly.
“I was rapt with his run. It was his first race in 18 months and he hit the line well on a slushy track that didn’t really suit him,” says Butt.
In Race 8, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Handicap Trot (6.22pm) Butt has a strong hand with two runners, Roydon Muscle and Ready Set Jet, to be driven by John Dunn.
Along with his mate Connor Harker, Butt recently purchased Roydon Muscle, with the Muscle Mass seven-year-old having won six races for trainer Chris McDowell.
“I had raced against the horse and always liked him so we thought we’d give him a go and see if he’d like a change of scenery.”
He has since won a trial.
“His work has been good but it’s going to be hard off 20 metres.”
The Nelson Pine Industries Nelson Cup sees Butt line up impressive last start winner Dynasty.
She produced one of the highlights of Phoebe Stud Harness 5000 day at Ashburton with her win but Butt says the Cup is an altogether different challenge.
“Obviously there’s a couple or three in there that will be too good for her.”
He cites the likes of hot favourite It’s Tough and stablemate Who’s Delight and the Amanda and Hayden Cullen-trained duo of Harrison John and Vessem.
“Cocktails and Caviar is handy on his day too so I think we will battle to be in the money.”
As for his overall chances?
“I’d say Shanky’s Shot is my best chance and the rest are in the same boat. With a bit of luck they can get a bit of money,” says Butt.
“If they don’t get luck on the first day they might get some on the second!”
Both days will feature $20,000 heats of the Tasman Empress Sprint Series for 4YO+ and up to R45-60 mares.
The top five from each heat will qualify for the $35,000 Final at Addington over 1980 metres on January 23,2026.
There will also be the latest heats of the Seddon District Trevor Craddock Memorial Trotters Series.
The series, in its third year, targets R51 and faster trotters.
There are 10 heats in all around the top half of the South Island before the $30,000 Final at Addington on March 20.
Day one at Nelson starts at 3.05pm, with the second day on Sunday (January 11).
To see the Nelson fields click here
