By Mike Love
Mid Canterbury reinsman Gerard O’Reilly could offer punters some value at tonight’s ANZAC weekend race meeting at Addington.
O’Reilly steers six chances, the first of those in race 2 the Airpark Canterbury Mobile Trot, where he teams up with Bruce Negus and consistent trotter Buffy Northstains ($8.50FF).
“She went nice last start. I haven’t driven her before. She’s probably my best each way chance of the night,” O’Reilly said.
She’s drawn well at 5, over 1980 metres. The three favoured in the market are Judy J ($3.20FF), What The Bell ($5.50) and Miss Yo ($6.50).
Race 3, the Kevin McCormack Decorating LTD Pace for the maidens, O’Reilly pilots the Ivan Court-trained Westburn Abby ($31.00FF). The four-year-old Sir Lincoln mare has been sixth and eighth in her two career starts so far.
“There’s a couple of nice ones in there so she will need to find more to be competitive.”
Drawn one and two respectively, Miki’s Courage ($1.70) and Biggles ($4.80) dominate the market.
O’Reilly teams up again with Court to drive Bondi Lustre ($12.00FF) in race 5 the Fahey Fence Hire Mobile Pace. The six-year-old Sunshine Beach mare produced her usual honest effort last time, and comes up with a handy draw tonight.
“With the draw if she can keep in the first four or five all the way she’ll be a nice each way chance.”
Arguably O’Reilly’s most intriguing drive of the night comes in race 9 the Tyre General ‘About Now’ Fillies and Mares Trot, where Sonoma Tyron ($7.00FF) will step out for new trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn. She was formerly trained by O’Reilly’s brother Patrick.
“She’s a nice wee mare. Patrick sent her up there, he thought she might be sore somewhere and benefit from the beach work. She’s got a good sprint on her so she should be a top 3 chance.”
O’Reilly trains and drives the consistently honest Bettor Be Sharp ($13.00FF) in race 10 the New Zealand Bloodstock Weanling Sale 23 May Mobile Pace.
“The draw doesn’t help, but he’ll give a good account of himself. He will just need a lot of luck.”
Capping off the night in race 11 the Gold Band Taxis Mobile Pace O’Reilly will team up with fellow Ashburton trainer Simon Adlam and Itz All Fired Up ($13.00FF). The Art Major gelding was able to crack his maiden win last start on the grass at Methven, and is up in grade tonight.
“It’s a bit of a step up but the 2600m will suit him because he just keeps going. He should get a nice run and be a top four chance.”
Racing commences from 4.34pm.
