Rain does not dampen spirits

Heavy storms in the area leading into the Blayney Harness Racing Club’s race meeting last Sunday was not enough to dampen a competitive afternoon’s harness racing.

The preparation of the racing surface to enable racing to go ahead was a credit to track curator Peter Davis as it withstood heavy rainfall from Thursday and right up until race morning when 23 millimetres fell.

Those challenges have continued this week as at least 50 millimetres more rain has fallen.

It is hoped that the skies will clear for Sunday afternoon’s meeting, which features the Peter Marshall Memorial Series Final.

Bathurst’s John O’Shea has qualified Kalypso Sam for the Final, and the gelding is looking to complete a hat-trick after first winning at Parkes on October 29 and then backing up with a win in his heat last Sunday afternoon.

Despite clocking a 2.03.6 mile rating, the slowest of the three heat winners and only scoring by a head, Kalypso Sam has come up with the coveted gate one draw which is a plumb alley on the Blayney circuit and one that O’Shea will look to take full advantage of.

“He is a funny big fellow that has taken some sorting out,” said O’Shea.

“His past two wins have been great, but he does take quite a big step up in grade in this afternoon’s race.

“Gate one is definitely a bonus and is ideal for my bloke.

“I will try and make the most of the advantage but there are some smart horses in the field including Tamanisha Terror, Hold My Halo and Drive To The Beach, all of whom will be hard to beat.”

Steve Turnbull will partner Drive To The Beach while his son Mitch takes the reins behind Tamanisha Terror.

Steve’s daughter Amanda has also qualified two for Sunday’s final, but she is currently campaigning in Victoria with a team of youngsters that are eligible for the Breeders Crown Series.

Her stable foreman, Isobel Ross will drive Captain Oh Captain while ace reinsman, Mat Rue has been booked to handle Hold My Halo, which was also heat winner.

Rue is pleased that he has picked up the drive on Hold My Halo and despite the filly drawing wide in gate six, he still feels that she will be hard to beat after an impressive performance last Sunday.

To view the fields for Blayney on Sunday click here.

By Michael Dumesny for HRNSW