Butt takes handy team to Timaru

Woodend beach harness racing trainer Bob Butt heads to Timaru on Sunday (May 26) with a team of four, three of which step out for the first time under his care.

Race 1 the Bronsan Transport LTD Passing Lane Trot over the 2600m stand will see Pandemic (Love You) front up again after a third on debut.

“He’s quite a nice horse. He’s come through his debut run well. He’s got the ability to win a maiden pretty quickly.”

Despite Butt’s confidence around the Love You gelding, there is a belief that the best is still a year away.

“He’s just not the best gaited just yet. He’s a big rangy bugger, so it will be good to give him a spell after a maiden win.”

The first of Butt’s newcomers is Dreamalittledream in race six, The Two Noels Handicap pace over 2600m.

The four-year-old A Rocknroll Dance mare won on debut for then Gore trainer Tony Stratford in November 2023 before failing at Timaru and heading Butt’s way.

“She trialled well, she seems well and her work is good. With a bit of luck she will be a good winning chance.”

“She’s my best chance of the day.”

Four-year-old Sweet Lou gelding Zamperini will line up in race 7, the Night ‘N’ Day Park mobile pace over the 2050m. Zamperini was sent up to Butt for beach work by his former Branxholme trainer Nathan Williamson.

“He probably just lacks a bit of top-end speed, but he seems pretty honest. Hopefully they’ll go hard up front and that will give him his best chance to be in the finish.”

No Perfect Princess (Vincent) in race 10, the Catering South Canterbury Mobile Pace over the 2050m rounds out Butt’s runners. The four-year-old mare lands a tricky draw of one the second line.

“It might work out alright – we will be on the fence which is not a bad place for Timaru. If she gets a bit of luck she’s a top four chance. Purdon’s one (Eyeliner) has a good draw and will be hard to beat so if we can be three or four back the fence all the way it will be okay for her fresh up run.”

Butt is also engaged to drive Luvavici in race 3, the Lone Pine Building trot for trainer Paul Nairn, and Betting Gift in race 4 the Turf Services Readylawn Timaru pace for trainer Bruce Negus.

Racing commences from 11:40am.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand