By Mike Love
Ashburton will host the final Canterbury winter meeting today, dubbed the “Goodbye Winter Racing – Hello Spring Racing” race day.
Locals could well be to the fore throughout the day, especially trainer/driver John Morrison. He has a book of seven drives today, three of which look likely to start favourite.
In Race 1, the Chertsey Trotting Club Pace over 2400m, Morrison trains and drives the opening favourite of the day, debutant Jesse Owens ($2.50FF).
The four-year-old Bettors Delight gelding qualified over a year ago when trained by Bob Butt, and has since won a couple of trials for his new trainer with the most recent back at the end of April winning a two-horse affair at Oamaru by six lengths.
Although there is not too much depth in the field, there are a few horses in form such as Bettor Fear Me ($5.50FF) and Interrogator ($4.80FF) that may look to upset the favourite, while Sabi Sands should be prominent for minor placings.
Morrison links up with another favourite in Race 3, the Perfect Sting At Macca Lodge, with the Thomas Twidle-trained Woodlea Rocks ($2.20FF).
The three-year-old Johnny Rock filly draws the ace over 1700m and looks a strong chance of going all the way to her maiden victory. Other chances in the event include Vin’s Deal ($3.90FF) for trainer Matt Purvis, driven by Gavin Smith.
Morrison’s third favourite of the day is Bautista ($2.80FF) for trainer Laurance Hanrahan in Race 8, the Strappers Syndicate Mobile pace over 1700m.
Although drawn wide, Bautista should appreciate a sharp drop in grade since recently racing in town hall company at Addington.
With a one-out-of-one record over the 1700m, Bautista looks set for a strong effort. Other chances include the Brendon Hill-trained Patiro ($6.00FF) with Carter Dalgety, while the favourably drawn Sweet Dreams ($11.00FF) and Rakero Lightning ($5.50FF) look good chances for minor placings.
Morrison’s other drives are: Race five – Elite Styx Race seven – Georgia Zukov Race ten – Go Home Denise Race eleven – Better Go Vinnie
Race one gets underway at 11.50am.
