Ben Hope with “nice book” of drives at Rangiora

Driver Ben Hope will be a driver to follow at this afternoon’s Rangiora harness racing meeting. Hope will combine with five runners, all trained by his parents Greg and Nina Hope.

“On paper it looks like a nice book. Hopefully we have a bit of luck on our side, and a few of them have the ability to feature,” said Hope.

Kicking off in Race 1, the Warwick Curtain Plumbers Mobile Trot where Hope drives two-year-old Muscle Hill filly Odina ($1.75FF). Odina – whose older brother is none other than Muscle Mountain – was a beaten short favourite last start at Addington, but Hope has high opinions of her albeit with a pinch of caution.

“She’s a lovely filly. She’s probably one of the most talented young horses I’ve driven.”

“She’s still learning. She’s still green. I’ve got no doubt ability wise she’s the best horse in the race. I don’t want to label her because of that, but if she brings her manners she’ll be very hard to beat.”

Zarlini ($5.00FF) is a four-year-old Bettors Delight mare who returns to the grit surface for her third race day start in Race 2, the R Grant Electrical Mobile Pace over 2000m. Since her previous effort at Methven on the grass, Zarlini has been a trial winner at today’s venue showing some zip to win that heat in a handy 57 second half.

“That trial was nice. The draw is no help today though. She’s got ability but will need some luck.”

In Race 7, the Chapman Fencing/Jared Chapman pace over 2600m Hope takes the drive on Blue Rock Dancer ($4.80FF). Drawn the ace and opening as a somewhat loose favourite, the six-year-old A Rocknroll Dance gelding comes into today’s race fresh though he has had a couple of trials to prepare.

“His trials have been good. He’s still a bit on the bigger side so he will benefit from the run. With his good manners and good draw he should be a good each way chance.”

Race 8, the Thank You Richard Wixon (Fillies and Mares) Mobile Pace over 2000m will see Krystal Delight ($10.00FF) gunning for career win number nine.

“She’s been working really good. I’ve been happy with her work and I think she might go a sneaky race.”

“She’s my value drive of the day.”

Rounding out Hope’s book of drives is Jack Tar ($2.10FF) in Race 10, the RHRC Race Again 20 November Mobile Pace over 2600m. The nine-year-old Tintin In America gelding gets in well with the ratings but pays the price with the preferential barrier draw landing on the outside of the gate.

“He’s a nice horse who has been around a while and gone some good races. In saying that, I think he’s a bit short. He can win but he’s going to need a bit of luck from that wide draw.”

Jack Tar is yet to win over the 2600m, though has placed nine times from 22 attempts at the distance.

Hope will also line up his own trotter which he trains in Illegal Immigrant ($5.00FF) in Race 6, the Dawe Contraction Junior Drivers Trot over 2600m with Henry Sail to do the steering.

“She’s been training well. We were a little bit disappointed with her trial the other day, but we found a problem and have sorted it out. Henry will look to lead from the handy draw.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand