Strong chances for Gray at Methven

Joseph Gray reckons he’s got a couple of place chances at least on the grass at Methven today (Oct. 27).

Currently enjoying his best ever harness racing season, the West Melton-based trainer will line up three runners – Motor Mouth in Race 7, Let’s Go Ringo (R9), and King Arthur (R11).

Gray’s upbeat about his day’s first runner despite Motor Mouth (Sportswriter) drawing wide (9) in the ACL Young At Heart Mobile pace for junior driver Scott Iremonger.

“Motor Mouth has great gate speed and Stephs Boy is clearly the one to beat but if we can cross him we would be a top two chance at least.”

“He loves to bowl along and he’s won three at Methven.”

“In one of those wins he went 1:57.”

Gray specialises in turning around other people’s cast-offs and Motor Mouth is a case in point.

“I paid $500 for him and he’s won five races for me.”

Now a six-year-old, Motor Mouth’s had six wins in total and won $65,700 in stakes

Two races later Let’s Go Ringo will front up in the Liquorland Tinwald Pace against the likes of He’s A Jackalack, American Sniper and Kalasa.

“Let’s Go Ringo is honest and a chance especially on the grass but he needs to be saved up for one run. He’s a rough place chance.”

Gray will round out his day with King Arthur in the G and R Seeds Mobile Pace. A last start winner the one-time bargain buy – “i bought him off Horse Trader for $800” – King Arthur has won six from 82 starts and stakes of over $73,000.

He’s drawn one the second row over a mile.

“It’s a bit of a sticky draw and it’s hard to know what sort of run he’ll get .. but he’s a place chance too.”

Gray has had eight wins and 26 placings this year. It’s already his best ever season, and with nine in work he’s hoping he’s far from finished.

From Harness Racing New Zealand