Butt hoping to continue his good run

Fresh off a pleasing harness racing night at Alexandra Park and Addington Raceway on Friday, Canterbury horseman Bob Butt will head to Phar Lap Raceway on Sunday hoping to continue his good run.

Butt recorded three placings from as many starts at the two venues on Friday, including a stakes placing with Manhattan (Bettor’s Delight) in the Listed Northern Mares Classic (2200m) at Auckland.

Butt was delighted with her run and is looking forward to targeting some spring features with the mare.

“She went great, she had to do all the dirty work and just got tired a bit late. I was rapt with her run,” Butt said.

“Swap the runs around with the leader and you probably reverse the result.

“I am going to give her a spell now.”

Butt also recorded two placings at Addington Raceway courtesy of Winegum and With Ice.

He is hoping he can record a couple of more placings at Timaru on Sunday with Khal Drogo (Sportswriter) and La Reina Del Sur (Father Patrick).

Khal Drogo will test his talents in the Village Inn (Geraldine) Timaru Winter Cup (2600m), while La Reina Del Sur will have her first outing for the stable in the Equine Veterinary Services Trot (2050m) after nearly a year away from racing.

“She seems like a pretty nice horse from what she has done at home,” he said.

“She will probably need the run after being away for so long and she hasn’t had a trial.

“I think she had a few issues and they just gave her a massive spell to get over them.

“She should do a good job over winter.”

While Khal Drogo heads into Saturday a last start winner, Butt said he will have his work cut out for him on Sunday.

“He seems well but it is a massive step-up in grade for him. It will be interesting to see how he goes,” Butt said.

“It is a nice field, so hopefully he runs home well.”

For complete race fields, click here.

by Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk