by Michael Guerin
Kyle Cameron has two chances in the same $25,000 Winter Rewards Trot at Addington tonight and one may help, or hinder, the other.
Cameron takes three of his 20-strong team to the meeting which hosts five $25,000 Winter Rewards races, decent bonuses for those horses who keep the industry ticking over while the stars are resting.
While Cameron suggests Gimmesomelovin (R3, No.4) can get some money is his 2600m mobile if the pace is on throughout, it is the main Winter Rewards Trot that sees him with two chances in last start winners What The Dragon (R9, No.1) and Brett’s Mate (No.7).
Remarkably the pair won’t just be following each other off the horse float but at the start of the race, with What The Dragon drawn 1 on the front line and Brett’s Mate directly behind him at 1 on the 10m mark.
Cameron isn’t sure if that is a good or bad thing.
“What The Dragon was a real handful when he started racing but he has got a lot better lately,” says the 40-year-old horseman.
“We had him on the unruly until about five starts ago and when we took him off it he drew 1 at Ashburton, led and won.”
That was the first of three wins in his last four starts for What The Dragon, all in similar fashion, suggesting he will take a lot of beating if on his best behaviour tonight.
“And that would help Brett’s Mate too cause he follows him out so we kinda have our eggs in the same basket.
“If I had to choose between them I’d go What The Dragon but the manners will be crucial.”
The Rewards races should be great turnover contests with few dominant favourites although I’m Rockin (R7, No.14) looks well placed dropping back in grade in his 2600m mobile.
The Rewards races aren’t the only highlight of the 10-race card as Slots looks to continue his form resurgace in Woodlands Stud ‘All Star Five’ Pace which could come down to manners.
Slots has been just one of a number of Team Telfer pacers who is loving life in the South Island after starting their career in the north but that northern upbringing means he has only had the one standing start.
He handled it okay when second two starts ago but faces barrier 1 in a 2000m standing start tonight and that puts a premium on early manners.
If Slots steps and stays handy or, less likely, leads then he is still the one to beat but even a few tardy strides at the start would bring racing luck into play.
Any disadvantage his lack of experience from the stand may be is possibly evened up by the fact key rival Magician has never had a standing start so the six-horse pacing feature of the night may provide punters with a different type of test.