Wolfie eyes up Invercargill

Gore harness racing trainer Tony Stratford known around the traps as “Wolfie” will take four runners to Ascot Park this Saturday (Apr. 29) with two particularly strong winning chances.

First starter Outback Man (He’s Watching) qualified impressively on this course earlier this month, running eight seconds under the qualifying time and winning by ten lengths. 

“He’s a lovely horse who’s ready to go but it’s his first start so you never know. He seems to be able to put his legs in the right spot,” Stratford said.

He draws handy at four in Race Three and from that marble could lead.

“The last few times he’s been off the place we’ve taken him off the gate (mobile) so he’ll be able to go forward. I doubt he can lead, but he’ll be going forward for sure. He’s a very willing horse who just seems to be getting better every time he goes off the place.” 

The lightly raced Jovial Jay (Sweet Lou) is relatively new to the Stratford barn having previously been trained by Graeme Anderson and Mike Love. Saturday’s race (8) is a drop back in grade for this talented lightly raced gelding and he also draws handy at gate four.

“He’s a really nice horse. I thought he could have won with a bit of luck and clear air on Diamonds Day. He’ll be awfully hard to beat on Saturday. He’s my best bet.”

Stratford’s two other runners are Tara Victory (Vincent) in Race Four and Joedium (Quaker Jet) in Race Six.

Tara Victory returned to racing on Diamonds Day at Invercargill running a good third which points to her being a player, especially with leading reinsman Blair Orange in the cart.

“I was really happy with her leading into Diamonds Day and she went a nice race. I’m picking she’ll improve from that run.” 

Joedium has was a bit of a problem child for previous trainer Brian Norman and Stratford has recently been given the task of sorting out his wayward habits.

“He’s got ability. He had a bowl round this morning (Tuesday) and worked very very well. He can run but he does like galloping as well. At his last couple of runs although he hasn’t done much, he’s trotted all the way. We’re winning the battle there and now we have to get him winning the battle at the front end.”

Race One at the Invercargill Harness Racing meeting at Ascot Park on Saturday gets underway at 11:50am with coverage on Trackside 2.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink