Dalgety has some good chances at Ashburton

Evangalist has the right form to clinch a deserved harness racing win at Ashburton on Mother’s Day.

The Jason and Ian Thomas trained five-year-old has produced placings in her last two starts at Addington, with both coming in tougher fields than the one she faces in race 7.

Jason Thomas’s mum Sue shares in the ownership of Evangalist and the trainer looks a big chance of delivering an outstanding Mother’s Day present.

Bookmakers certainly think so – opening the mare at a $1.90 opening price in her junior driver’s assignment for Carter Dalgety.

“She has been going nice races in stronger fields, so you would think she would get her chance,” Dalgety said.

Evangalist led and then trailed in her last start in rating 53-60 company at Addington.

There looks a big chance she will be up on the speed again on Sunday.

“She has got a bit of gate speed there, so we will be looking to push forward.”

“I wouldn’t think there would be too many there that would want to have her on with the form she has got.”

“Lone Wolf looks like one of her main dangers but he has got a bit of a trickier draw in 1 on the second row.”

Dalgety has two chances to bag a mother’s day win for his mum Chrissie.

The junior driver will combine with the Cran and Chrissie Dalgety trained Light Up The Fire and Orlando Express.

Dalgety rates Light Up The Fire as a place or eachway hope.

“She has improved with a bit of racing and her third at Rangiora was a decent run.”

“The favourite (Pandaia) looks hard to beat drawing 1, but hopefully we can slot in somewhere handy enough and get a decent run.”

“I don’t see why she couldn’t at least second to her.”

Pandadia opened the $1.55 favourite for race 2 with Light Up The Fire second favourite at $7.50.

Orlando Express has made mistakes in his three career starts and lands the tricky barrier 1 draw in race 1.

But his recent form isn’t a reflection of his talent.

“He is a bit of a nervy type, so he hasn’t quite got the start right yet.”

“It is a shame because he is a handy horse and he has got a lovely gait.”

“Drawing 1 isn’t ideal for him but if he were to trot he would be a good chance.”

“When he gets a mobile he will be able to show what he is made of.”

Orlando Express opened at $12 odds with bookmakers.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand