By Mike Love
Ashburton trainer/driver John Morrison will have a strong presence on his home track today, with eight drives and a number of each way chances.
The meeting, that celebrates the various clubs of Canterbury, was transferred from Methven after it was deemed unsuitable to race on following this week’s bad weather.
Morrison considers Destiny’s Dream as one of his best chances in the final race of the day, Race 11 the Ashburton MSA & Super Liquor Mobile Pace over 2400m.
Coming into today after some credible runs at the recent Marlborough circuit, Morrison is quietly confident of a good run from the mare.
“She’s been a great mare and has done a super job over the past 18 months for the stable. She shouldn’t be too far away if she gets a good run. She’s jumping out of her skin since she’s returned from Blenheim,” said Morrison.
A race earlier Raknruin lines up in The Papanui – Founders Cafe Pace over 2400m. Raknruin won stylishly in a fresh state at Gore on December 27 and has had two runs since then leading into today.
“I was disappointed with her run at Roxburgh, but she may not have handled the track. Then at Cromwell we had a false start and she threw her toys out. She can get a bit uptight when things don’t go her way.
“I’m pleased with the draw because she’ll have no work to do. She can really run – she’s the best track worker I’ve got. She has the potential to win quite a few races. I’ve fiddled around with her shoeing a bit too since the Central circuit – so hopefully that will help her gait.”
Morrison has six other drives on the programme including the shortest priced favourite of the day Scotlynn Fortress ($1.95FF) for trainer Dean Taylor in Race 3, the New Brighton Club By The Sea Mobile Pace over 2400m.
“I don’t mind the horse, he’s a handy maiden. If he got a nice run he should go well, he’s in good form. Dean’s team is going well at the moment.”
Morrison will link up with another of Dean Taylor’s runners Bodacious ($20.00FF) at longer odds in Race 9, the Hornby Club Handicap Trot over 2400m.
“I haven’t driven it since it was a maiden. It can go near enough when it settles handy so we will be hoping for an economical run.”
Morrison will also drive two runners for trainer Fred Scott. Take A Chance On Me in Race 4, the Richmond Club – The Borough Pace over 2400m, will need to find a few lengths to be a threat. However Courtney Rose in Race 6, the Rangiora RSA & Club “The Heart Of Rangiora” Handicap Pace over 2400m looks to have stronger credentials.
“It went super at Nelson both days. A good draw and the way it’s been going she’s good enough to be right there. She begins pretty safe so should run well.”
Kushite Warrior for trainer Malcolm Shinn has been steadily improving this campaign and looks set for another honest effort in Race 7, The Country Clubs, Oxford & Lincoln Pace over 2400m.
“It ran on good at Addington on Friday. If I can just get her away and a nice sit she’s got a bit of speed.”
Morrison links up with local trainer Ben Waldron and Georgie Zukov in Race 8, the Kaiapoi Club & The Garrick At The W.W.M.C Mobile Pace over 2400m. The 11-year-old gelding will line up favourite at career start 81.
“He’s definitely improving. His run at Blenheim on the second day was good. He’s heading in the right path.”
Race one gets underway at 12:10pm.
