Classy Kiwi mare heading back to Aussie

He’s a laid-back Kiwi harness racing horseman.

Yet mention the name of class New Zealand mare Stylish Memphis (Bettor’s Delight) and you can’t wipe the smile off trainer-drive Jack Trainor’s face.

That grin was even broader than usual this week when Trainor learned that the two-time Ladyship Mile winner and NSW Oaks winner could be heading back to his Menangle stables as soon as this weekend.

And she will arrive from New Zealand with a baby on the way, with confirmation the superstar mare was in foal to boom sire Captaintreacherous.

“This is her last hurrah so I am hoping she can defend her title and we can get one more big race out of her before she goes off to become a mum,” Trainor told National Trotguide on-line’s Mike Ko’cass.

Meanwhile Trainor heads to Menangle tonight with a strong book of drives.

The best of those appears to be Its All About Faith in Race 3, where the gelding has been installed a $1.55 favourite. He was also listed as the first emergency in the feature, Race 6, the Christmas Gift final.

A disappointing fourth to Loyalist last start as a $1.35 favourite last start, Trainor is expecting a lot of improvement from the son of Captaintreacherous tonight.

“Obviously, the run wasn’t that bad but it didn’t meet the expectations I have of that horse,” he said.

“He may have got away a bit on me while I was in Melbourne and I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t improve this week.

“I kept him on the water walker while I was away; maybe a bit too much.

“He’s a very big horse and I did expect him to win last week.

“Actually, I’ll be scratching me head if he doesn’t back up well because I do think he’s a serious horse.”

Trainor revealed he would also be looking for a better effort from Blue Chip Delight, the $3.50 favourite in Race 2 after drawing perfectly in gate one.

“He’s also been a bit of a head scratcher,” he said.

“Blue Chip Delight’s work at home suggests he should be racing better than he has been,” said Trainor.

“I’ve tightened his gear up a bit and his work on Wednesday was really good and I expect him to be a lot sharper this weekend.”

Another new stable addition going around tonight is Ranger Bomb (Race 7), who was a first-up third after a stint in Queensland.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Court for HRNSW