White looking for good night

South Coast Arden (Somebeachsomewhere) and unbeaten trotter Paramount Kiwi (Father Patrick) spearhead Clevedon trainer Matthew White’s team of five for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Harness Racing Club’s meeting at Cambridge tomorrow night.

Lord Popnjay (Majestic Son) and Paramount Kiwi will line for White in Race Three.

Having had Lord Popnjay for just four starts he’s recorded two wins, a second and a fourth. The eight year old gelding stood on the mark at his last start at Alexandra Park and ran home nicely for fourth.

“It cost him a couple of spots, but he did well to finish where he did and the start was his first run for a while. He’s improved since then. Usually he steps pretty good so I don’t see that as an issue. He’s got a good turn of foot if he’s saved up for one run,” White said.

Talented three year old trotter Paramount Kiwi is unbeaten in three starts. He last raced at Addington in October winning the Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million. In preparation for tomorrow’s race he’s just had one workout at Pukekohe which was twenty six days ago.

“That workout was only with Lord Popnjay, but it was a good hit out for them. He (Paramount Kiwi) had a wee setback with a virus after that. We treated him and he’s come good. I took him over to Pukekohe last Saturday for a run and his work since then has been really really good. I would have liked to have got a trial into him, but it didn’t quite work out.  It’s nice to have him back at the races again.”

White said Paramount Kiwi had a good break after Addington and that the horse is stronger and more mature this time in.

In Race Five the stable is represented by The Mighty Sully (Washington VC) which has won two of it’s four starts.

“He’s gone up in the ratings quite quickly. He’s still a big goof, quite green and learning what it’s all about but he’s always shown a wee bit. There are more wins in store. It’s a nice field and I’d like to see him having a nice trip and hitting the line.”

Aye Aye Captain (Captaintreacherous) a relative newcomer to the stable fronts up in Race Seven. His last start was at Alexandra Park on March 22^nd where he didn’t get a lot of racing room and finished sixth.

“He finished just in behind them and didn’t have a lot of room up the straight. His work since then has been really good actually so he should go well in that race.”

Open class pacer and Race For Grins entrant South Coast Arden (Somebeachsomewhere) has recently joined the White stable after campaigning in Australia.

“The Kennards and the rest of the group share in the ownership of Aye Aye Captain. The Kennards had a slot so they thought they’d bring him back for the Race By Grins. He arrived early last week and has settled in really good. I’m still getting to know him. I had a good talk to Paul Fitzpatrick (his Australian trainer), and he filled me in on a few things about him. He’s arrived in really good order and it’s just about keeping him happy.”

South Coast Arden last raced at Menangle on 9^th March, finishing fifth.

‘He’ll need the run this week. I would have liked to have got another run into him. It’s going to be pretty difficult from the draw. I just want to see him go a good race leading into next week.”

South Coast Arden has won twice on the track including the G1 Four Year Old Emerald in 1-51.6.

“He’ll stay on for the Taylor Mile and the Messenger.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink