The Kiwi bred lower graded chasers will race for a $7,500 stake on Friday in their NZRS Novice final (race 6) following six 520m heats held at the Addington Raceway last week.
Pictured: Mr. Matt delivering the quickest of the NZRS Novice heat times when posting a 30.75s 520m gallop (pic Dave Robbie)
Dave and Jean Fahey produced two of the heats winners with Mr. Matt clearly delivering the quickest of the 520m heat winners when he stopped the clock in 30.75s. This promising son of Fabregas and Opawa Born hopped away from the one trap on that occasion – in the decider he will be sighted wearing the pink racing vest from where he’ll be strongly favoured to land his seventh career win (from 12 races).
His kennelmate Tianyu was always in control of the pace in his heat when he led his rivals throughout to claim his win in 31.08s. He can secure a podium position by adopting those same tactics when this son of Dream Collector and Little Dreams exits from the six trap here.
Local trainers Steve and Bonnie Evans has qualified half of the drawn field all of whom won the other four heats. Securing the draw advantage via the one trap is Goldstar Captain. . This son of Barcia Bale and Goldstar Avery led his heat rivals all the way when he delivered his 31.03s heat win also from the one trap. He then settled just behind the pace from the same trap on Tuesday and whacked away for his 1.9 length 520m third.
Delivering their respective NZRS Novice heats wins were Tianyu ( left) and Goldstar Captain – pics Dave Robbie
On Tuesday afternoon Goldstar Sydney was hindered when racing into the first turn, losing all claims in what was a swiftly run 520m event. She was brave in recovering when just missing out on third by the barest possible margin. This daughter of Know Peace and Noble Fantasy had finished strongly to win her heat in 31.20s. She will be loaded away in the two trap here.
Goldstar Renee was also denied racing room at a crucial point in her Tuesday 520m outing which saw this daughter of Yella Mustard and Goldstar Bella being held in the midfield pack. She was backing up from her 31.26s 520m heat win where she was sighted doing her best work at the business end of her race. She produced that win from trap three which will be the same trap she’ll jump away from on Friday.
Goldstar Whitey found himself contained in the midfield pack throughout when racing over 520m on Tuesday. Prior to that this son of Know Class and Know Love Affair had boldly held on for his narrow 31.58s heat win. He must improve on that time here after he hops away from the seven trap.
Delivering their respective NZRS Novice heats wins were (from left): Goldstar Sydney; Goldstar Renee; Goldstar Whitey - pics supplied by Dave Robbie – drobbie91@gmail.com – 021 607 869 for all your South Island race photos
Goldstar Hurley is a Lisa Waretini trained litter brother to Goldstar Whitey. She gamely chased after the freewheeling, pace making Mr. Matt which resulted in her 6.75 length heat second to him. She cops the tough five trap draw here.
Know Equal settled in the rear group in his heat from where he gradually improved his field position to finish strongly for his three quarter length heat second to Goldstar Sydney. This Gary Cleeve bred and trained son of Know Class and Know Which isn’t likely to be sighted handy to the early pace when he exits from trap four – he is likely to be sighted putting in some big late strides here.
Ray Adcock provides the first reserve for this event. Double Speed copped an early check then he was denied a clear racing passage further on when this son of Dyna Double One and Birchwood backed up over 520m on Tuesday afternoon. Previous to that he ran on late for his half length heat second to Goldstar Renee.
Robin Wales prepares the second reserve Token Pick who was sighted pressing on soundly for her 4.75 length heat second to Tianyu. This daughter of Dyna Vikkers and Perfect Token then went onto endure a completely luckless Forbury Park Tuesday 545m outing.
By Peter Fenemor
