By Mike Love
Leithfield Beach trainer Robbie Holmes is hoping Dreams Pat ($46.00FF) can “keep his feet on the ground” in today’s Group 3 Elite Stride DG Jones Memorial Banks Peninsula Cup HCP Trot.
The $40,000 race over 2810m takes place on the grass at Motukarara racecourse at 4.43pm.
The four-year-old Father Patrick gelding has been an enigma for Holmes in recent months but has begun to prove his worth in recent runs off the property.
“We headed down to the Methven trials (August 30) and he put it all together, running home nicely through the middle. Then we went back to the trials at Rangiora (September 3) where he stayed together too. Then of course Oamaru last week where he won really well,” said Holmes.
“He’s come through the run well. He’s done a bit down the beach.”
The consistent improvement in Dreams Pat could be put down to Holmes’ training regime altering recently, as well as intentionally staying away from Addington Raceway.
“He’s been under the saddle at the moment. Staying away from Addington seems to be good. He’d make his mistakes in the same places. He’s starting to keep his feet on the ground.”
Today will undoubtedly be the biggest test to date for the rating 52 trotter taking on trotters already proven at the highest end of the spectrum, including millionaire earner and race favourite Oscar Bonavena ($2.60FF).
“He’s been on the grass before. But he’s never been over 2800m. He’ll follow them around and hopefully roll home again down the big long straight,” said Holmes.
“Whatever happens today he needs to get savvy for cup time so he’ll keep racing until then.”
Holmes also lines up Cappaha ($21.00FF) in race eleven the BPTC Supports The Bone Marrow Cancer Trust trot over 2170m.
“He’s good. He just keeps making mistakes.”
Similar to Dreams Pat, Cappaha has been having issues on the final bend of its races. Holmes is hoping the more subtle bends typical of grass tracks will trick Cappaha into staying in its gait.
“The bends will be a bit more generous. He panics a bit going around that last bend. Hopefully the grass will help him and we can help him overcome his mental challenges,” said Holmes.
Holmes also takes an outside drive when he links up with the David Thompson trained Acento ($3.40FF) in race nine the Vivacious-Vibrant Lifestyle Fashion In Halswell Mobile pace over 2000m.
“She trialled up nice and raced well at Methven fresh up,” said Holmes.
Having her second start today after finishing second fresh up, the seven-year-old Gold Ace mare will begin favourite from a wider draw and Holmes suggests the tactics will be dependent on the mood of the mare.
“She’s drawn out a little bit. She’s the decider in whether we go forward or not!”
The programme today also includes two races for the Blue September fundraiser with all ambassadors from across the country taking part.
The first is carded as Race 4, the Bruno, Brooke & Leo Support Blue September Trot over 2170m, where Grettymac ($4.50FF) for Rory McIlwrick and Amendment ($3.20FF) for Ricky May are current favourites.
Race 7, the Shaddy & Hamesy Blue September Drivers’ Challenge Pace over 2170m is the other of the two events, where Jake ($3.60FF) for John Dunn is the current favourite.
Race one gets underway today at 11:40am.
