Orange holds strong Nelson hand

The country’s leading driver Blair Orange looks to have a stack of each way chances on the second day of Nelson’s Summer at The Trots meeting at Richmond Park on Sunday.

The now eight-time premiership winner has eight drives on the 11-race card that starts just before noon.

He rates course specialist Nellie Doyle among his best chances on the day.

She’ll line up in the Mike Austin Memorial Handicap (Race 8, 3.41pm), a heat of the Trevor Craddock Seddon Trotting Series, after making it three from three on the course on the opening day on Friday for trainer Tim Trathen.

“She’s in the zone and Tim has got her bang on,” says Orange, “she did the most work and started off the handicap (20m) and was very strong to the line.”

“She was a maiden this time last year and she hasn’t stopped winning yet.”

Nellie Doyle will go back to 30 metres on Sunday against a field that also incudes another impressive first day winner in One Over Da Line, one of four winners for John Dunn on Friday.

One Over Da Line, Nellie Doyle and the Bob Butt-trained pair of Ready Set Jet and Roydon Muscle are all at $4.

In the day’s feature pace, the Nelson Classic Orange will again drive the Hayden and Amanda Cullen-trained Harrison John who was a brave second to It’s Tough in Friday’s Nelson Cup.

It’s Tough will front up again while the race has been further strengthened by the inclusion of Harrison John’s stablemate Hadron Collider and Central Otago Cup winner Pinseeker.

“He couldn’t have gone much better, he was parked the last 1000 and went down by a  whisker,” Orange said of Harrison John.

“It’s not going to be easy and I’m happy to be on the one I am.”

Pinseeker opened a $2.80 favourite with Harrison John and It’s Tough at $3.50.

Orange opens his day with Ridge in Race 2, the Nelson OTB Handicap Trot (12.22pm).

He broke badly on the first day and was never a factor.

On Sunday, as a one race winner, he’ll start off 30 metres.

“If he trots he is a genuine chance, it looks a winnable race for him.”

Other bright prospects include Now Watch Me in Race 3, the Brown and Associates Pace (12.48pm).

On debut the Regan Todd-trained four-year-old was slowish away but boomed home late into second.

“He was very green, the penny has not dropped with him and when he gets the hang of it he will win some races,” says Orange.

“Interesting over a mile stand, he was away awkwardly yesterday but if he can get away with them he’s a chance.”

One of his rivals will be Hawk Touie Louie, who started a hot favourite for trainer-driver Bob Butt on Friday but broke repeatedly and finished last.

Butt later reported the gelding had cast a shoe during the race.

And in Race 6, the Star Hotel/R and J Batteries Mobile Pace Orange will drive another in-form Cullen-trained runner in Princess Renee.

She was second behind Captain Tyron on the opening day.

“She was beaten by a smart colt the first day and from barrier one over a mile she’ll get her chance for sure.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness News Desk