Holmes has form runners at Addington

Leithfield Beach harness racing trainer Robbie Holmes has five runners down to start at Addington tomorrow night (Jun. 9) and some have good last start form, so he’s hopeful of a win or two.

Sinner Cool (Sundon) is coming back from a spell after last racing in February. The four year old mare has been to the Rangiora Workouts twice, winning her last by a length and a half. She draws barrier one in Race One.

“Her first workout was a bit ordinary but her second one was a whole lot better. We did a blood test on her after the first one to find out whether there was anything wrong. There wasn’t a lot going on so we put a set of half blinds on her and in the next workout she went nice. It’s a good draw and she’s old enough to cope with the 2600 now,” Holmes said.

In Race Two Holmes trains and drives The Golden Skipper (Gold Ace) who starts from the inside of the second row. He battled on well for sixth on debut at Addington two weeks ago.

“He’s a work in progress because he’s a big three year old. So he’s there for the experience.”

Holmes has two runners in Race Four – Zara Tindall (Vincent) and Aleks Kristina (Betting Line).

Zara Tindall draws gate six and will be handled by Chris Butt. Her form has been a bit mixed lately but her last start third was very encouraging.

“She went massive. Sat outside the leaders the whole way over the 1980. She actually poked her nose in front turning in. She’s drawn out at five, but she has a ton of gate speed and uses it herself. My gut feeling is that she will go forward. She’s certainly on the improve.”

Aleks Kristina gets a wide draw (9) and was hindered in the straight when finishing seventh at Rangiora on the 21st of May.

“She’s only had the two starts to date. She’ll go back from that draw which won’t suit her. I feel she’s one that needs to be raced on the pace. If she can get a half a cart into the race she should be running on.”

Quality trotting mare TK Megastar (Royal Aspirations) got held up at her last start at Addington when finishing fourth behind rising star Smokin Bandar (Monkey Bones). This race looks like a slightly easier assignment.

“I’ve got a lot of time for her. It’s fair to say that it’s a step back in grade for her but it’s still not a bad field. From the one hole (one draw) she should get a nice sit and find a hole somewhere at the end. She’s my best bet.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink