Cullen stars return

Sunday’s Oamaru harness racing card is packed full of features and Rolleston trainers Hayden and Amanda Cullen have four of their topliners resuming across two of the day’s features.

In Heat Four of the $30,000 Nevele R Fillies Series, General Jen, Arafura and Winelight all return to the racetrack.

General Jen (Captaintreacherous) has had two trials, running second to stablemate Winelight in the most recent one at Rangiora two weeks ago.

“From the draw she’s looking like the likely leader. She’ll go a good race and take improvement from it. We thought it was a good race for her to kick off in. She’s a very high speed filly who is slowly getting stronger and looks a lot more mature this time in,” said Hayden.

She’ll be handled by Blair Orange and will run from barrier two.

Arafura (Sweet Lou) has also had two trials, finishing third in both.

“She’s still very large in condition. It was a nice time they ran last week at the trials. She’s still on the improve and will take a lot of benefit from the run. She’s a proven Group One winner and I think she’ll take a bit of beating.”

Mark Purdon takes the drive.

Winelight (Downbytheseaside) draws the inside of the second row with Olivia Thornley in the sulky. Like her two stablemates she’s had two trials, winning her last.

“She’s done nothing wrong in her whole career. Her trials have been just as good as the other two if not a little bit better. She’s trained on well and looks great. There’s no reason she can’t run in the top three either.”

Hayden labelled General Jen as the stable’s best bet in the Fillies heat.

Don’t Stop Dreaming is the Cullen’s only runner in the $40,000 Group Three Placemakers Hannon Memorial as Vessem has been scratched.

“I pulled him out of his box yesterday (Wednesday) to train him and he had a high temperature. It’s nothing major, but we have to get him right before we press on.”

Don’t Stop Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight) is resuming after last racing in May. He’s had two quiet trials.

“He’s come on from each trial. Like all our horses at the moment they’re a bit burly because they’re just stating off their campaigns. If he gets away quick enough he’ll go a good race.”

Blair Orange will drive Don’t Stop Dreaming.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink