By Jordyn Bublitz
With two runners in the same race, Levin trainer Murray Gibbs is hopeful about his chances at Manawatu tonight.
Stablemates Bet On Polly and Genuine Imitation both bring strong form-lines into Race 3, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Supports NI Breeders Mobile Pace (5.49pm).
Bet On Polly, a five-year-old daughter of Betting Line, was outstanding at her most recent start at Palmerston North. Sent straight to the lead, she ran her rivals into the ground and dug deep late to score by half a neck in tough fashion.
“I was very pleased with her. She’s a typical mare who has a lot of seasonal issues over the spring and summer, I think she’s on the other side of it now and she really showed us what she can do when she’s right the other night,” Gibbs says.
Drawn perfectly in barrier one again, Gibbs is hoping history can repeat.
“It is a step up in grade, but to her credit, when she has put it all together she runs reasonable times. So the step up shouldn’t be too bad hopefully.”
While Bet On Polly brings experience and recent winning form, it is three-year-old filly Genuine Imitation who might just hold the key to the race. The daughter of Downbytheseaside has had just four career starts, but continues to impress.
Last time out at the track she finished a strong second against more seasoned opposition.
“She’s my little star, I’m over the moon with her. She was up against 7-win horses and was second-to rank outsider, and managed to run a 28 quarter into second place. I was very pleased with her.
“I think she’s taken improvement from that run. She’s got gate speed like her stablemate, and in an ideal world I’d like to see her take the lead with Polly in the trail.”
Tactically, Gibbs is not locked into one plan.
“She’s a genuine and versatile filly. I think she’d be happy whether she sits parked or has a sit sprint.”
So who does he think will come out on top today?
“It’s very hard to pick, but just on upside and genuine ability I’d have to go for my wee filly.”
“In 30 years of training I’ve never had a quinella, so that would be very nice if we could get that.”
Both are at double figure odds, with the Nathan Purdon-trained Crippa Max a commanding favourite.
To see the field click here