Old Town Road’s (Bettor’s Delight) career will be reignited next Friday night when his new trainer Bob Butt takes him to Addington.
“It’s just a bugger we had that se back but it is what it is. He goes real good fresh and only needs a couple of runs from what John (former trainer John Dickie) tells me. He’s not panicking yet so I’m happy,” Butt said.
The six year old who’s just outside getting a start in this year’s IRT New Zealand Cup will need to come into form quickly to get in the top fifteen for a start in the $1,000,000 feature.
Butt says Dynasty (Rocknroll Hanover) who ran second to Amaretto Franco at the Rangiora trials yesterday will also race at Addington Friday week.
The three year old filly who’s leased by Bob’s grandparents Robin and Jackie Butt has won two of her three starts.
Other stable runners Gold Bulletin, Reklaws Dream and Xlendi are also expected to race at the meeting.
Muscle Mountain’s full sister Odina (Muscle Hill) commences her racing career on Friday night at Addington.
Woodend Beach trainer Greg Hope who trains the filly in partnership with his wife Nina says there’s no doubting Odina’s ability but she’s very green.
“She’s got heaps of potential and will win her share of races. We’re going there with the hope of getting some of our money back because she was brought through the sales. To be fair you couldn’t back her with confidence knowing that she is having her first start in a Group race,” he said.
Meanwhile unbeaten two year old trotting filly Habibti Pat (Father Patrick) also trained by the Hopes is having a break and will come back in time for the $120,000 IRT Two Year Old Sires’ Stakes Championship on Show Day.
“She’ll come in in the next day or so and have one trial the week before (Show Day) to ensure she’s back on track. She’s always been a really nice filly and we expect her to keep improving as the season goes on. She’s got the family trait, the will to win. A couple of times we’ve taken her to the races and she hasn’t been at her best but she was still good enough to beat them,” Greg said.
by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink