Butcher assesses his chances tonight

David Butcher is always one to follow on his home track and lines up a number of good harness racing chances at Cambridge Raceway tonight (Dec. 7).

But the Waikato-based trainer-driver is leaning more towards place chances with his runners, rather than outright winners.

The first of Butcher’s starters is Changealot (Art Major) in Race 3, the Dunstan Salute Mobile Pace over 2200m.

“He’s got a good draw so with a good trip and a bit of luck he’s a place chance” says Butcher.

Romeo Foxtrot (Majestic Son), a strong winner a fortnight ago at Alexandra Park, steps out in Race 5, the Dunstan Recovery Mash Handicap Trot, with Junior Driver Jordyn Bublitz driving in the hopes of a penalty free win.

“He starts off 10 metres but could get a good run through on the fence if he steps well, and with the right trip he should be right amongst it,” says Butcher.

“He prefers the 2200m trip too.”

Caulfield (Sir Lincoln) starts in Race 5, the Dunstan Move Free Mobile Pace over 1700m.

“He’s got the ace draw and being over 1700m I’ll be aiming to hold them out early, he’s a good place chance” says Butcher.

Caulfield was a winner on the same track on October 12.

Also starting in Race 5 are last start winners Proviseur, Benjamin Button, and Medina Magic while Mr Kaplan, trained by Tony Herlihy and driven by in-form junior Monika Ranger, will also be heavily backed.

The final of the Butcher-trained horses is Brookside Girl (Downbytheseaside) in Race 6 Dunstan Speedfeed Mobile Pace over 1700m. .

“She’s drawn wide and being fresh up and racing some seasoned horses I won’t be sending her forward early,” says Butcher.

“She will take benefit from the run and be one to follow.”

The three-year-old Downbytheseaside filly has a win and six placings to her name from just seven starts.

Butcher also drives the Arna Donnelly-trained Turnpike Joe in Race 7.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Brigette Solomon, for Harness Racing New Zealand