By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
It’s been a decade since Chris Butt took three of his own horses to the races, but that’s exactly what he’s doing at Addington today.
The Balcairn-based trainer-driver lines up Mister in Race 2, the West Melton BP Supports CSBA and Breeders Trot (5.18pm), Willy Away in Race 3, the Equine PEMF Therapy Mobile Pace (5.49pm) and Lord Mudrick in Race 5, the Breed-Race-Win-Repeat Mobile Pace (6.55pm).
“This would be the first time I’ve had three at the races since Australia,” says Butt.
That was back when he was based in Perth. He returned home to Canterbury in 2014.
“Lord Mudrick is probably the best of my chances,” he says.
“He’ll appreciate being back on the all weather track.”
A winner of five from 59 starts, Lord Mudrick’s last start was a 10th on the grass at Motukarara earlier in the month. Before that he was fourth at Addington on August 4.
Also in his favour is the draw (4) over 1980 metres.
“If he’s not on the speed he does not try that hard.”
“Motukarara was his first start in a while and hopefully he’ll improve and is a top three chance.”
Earlier, Mister will have just his third career start after two unplaced efforts.
“He’s taking a long time to strengthen up, he’s been slow maturing,” says Butt.
“He does not have the ability of his brothers!”
Those siblings are five-race winner Master Class and Prestigious, an impressive winner at Timaru on Sunday.
All three are out of Prestine and bred by Butt’s grandmother Jenny Butt.
The third of Butt’s runners is Willy Away. He has been placed three times in nine starts.
“He has no early speed and that can make life tough for him but he’s not the worst and he’ll just keep getting better.”
Addington’s midweek meeting has seven races, starting at 4.52pm.
