Winners are grinners – Craig Thornley talks Oamaru

Canterbury harness racing driver Craig Thornley has a strong book of drives at the Oamaru HRC meeting on the grass tomorrow.

Creatine three year old Whatever It Takes starts the day in Race One. Trained by Thornley’s partner Donna Williamson, Whatever It Takes has had two workouts and a qualifying trial in preparation for his debut. He’s had a win on the grass.

The Steven McRae trained Kardashian (Vincent) lines up in Race Two with Thornley taking the drive. The three year old filly’s form is solid and she’s started twice on the grass. She’s previously faced stronger fields than she will in this race.

Thornley drives first starter Titian Franco in Race Four. The two year old McRae trained filly had two trials in April before being put aside. She’s been back to the workouts twice and at her last one at Ashburton she led up but was run down for fourth. She’s trialed on the grass at the Mount Harding Raceway.

Veteran trotter The Dominator (The Pres) gets his chance in Race Five. Trained by Williamson, the fourteen win gelding starts off 20 metres in the 2000 metre stand. He’s won the majority of his races from the stand and had fourteen starts on the grass, for a win and two minor placings.

In Race Seven Thornley drives Clyde (The Pres). The seven year old faces a capacity field and ran sixth at his last start at Orari. He’s won and has been placed twice on grass and draws handy at three.

Thornley picks up a drive in Race Eight for local trainer Matty Williamson. Hunting Weight (Stunin Cullen) is a new addition to the stable and draws the inside of the second row.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink