By Jonny Turner
Race conditions aren’t perfect, but Kirk Larsen is hoping to make an impact with his team at Winton on Sunday.
With four runners, the trainer-driver has most of his racing team starting at Central Southland Raceway.
Xerion will be out to continue his strong form when stepping out in the meeting’s feature trot.
The five-year-old rematches with Bring On The Muscle and Jimmy Carter, who beat him home in their recent match-up at Ascot Park.
Though Larsen has the advantage of getting a head start over the favourites, he is wary of their lesser handicaps.
“We got a 30m handicap on them last time, but this week they are only giving us 20m.”
“The conditions of the race are in their favour, but in saying that I am happy with my horse.”
“He has worked well this week and he has been going good races.”
“He doesn’t trot as well around Invercargill, so being at Winton should suit him a bit better, too.”
Larsen starts Havtimeformiki in Sunday’s two-year-old event.
The pacer only missed narrowly in his last start at Winton before going on to run fifth in his next outing at Ascot Park.
Havtimeformiki will take on the winners of both of his last two starts in Simply Amazing and Side Hustle.
“He ended up over-racing when he sat parked at Invercargill, but I was happy enough with his run.”
“He is a nice horse, he is a bit of a bigger bugger and still has some strengthening up to do.”
“But he has definitely got ability, he has got a bit of bottom to him.”
“Drawing 5 might not be the best for him, as the horses that have beaten him are both on the second row and it could work out better for them.”
Larsen will give Fiery Adi her first start in Sunday’s maiden trot.
The three-year-old brings solid trial form to her debut.
“Her manners at the start aren’t quite 100%, she doesn’t like it when she has to stand too long.”
“Once she is trotting she is pretty good, so the start will be the biggest thing for her.”
Larsen also has Ward Lamon returning in Sunday’s fast-class pace.
The pacer is expected to need his Winton run, which will be his first since August.