Clonakilty and Muchacho face next test

Unbeaten pacer Clonakilty (Downbytheseaside) and recent qualifier Muchacho (Always B Miki) will take the next step up when they race at the Wyndham Harness Racing Club meeting on Thursday.

Clonakilty impressed when winning a double at Rangiora in May for Ashburton trainers Brent and Tim White.

“It’s a massive jump for him on Thursday. He won that graduation series at Rangiora, but it was more or less two maiden races. He’s taking on the likes of Jimmy Ray and Smoke On The Water. I think he’s going to be a nice Country Cups horse in time. He’s got to chase these free ones (penalty free races) because before you know it he’s going to be a mid-sixty rated horse,” Brent said.

Both his wins have been from behind the mobile and on Thursday he’ll not only face some race hardened veterans, he’ll be having his first race day standing start.

He’s been to two trials to fit him for his return and both have been standing starts.

“He’s had a few stands with Danny McKendry before we bought him. We’ve given him two stands this time. Kerryn (raceday driver Kerryn Tomlinson) drove him the first time and was happy and Kimberly (Butt) the other day and she was happy with him. He’s got a nice motor and a good turn of foot so when the penny drops he’ll do a nice enough job.”

White says if Clonakilty wins on Thursday, he’ll return home but if not, he’ll remain in the south and race in another penalty free race.

Meanwhile, there’s plenty of anticipation around first starter Muchacho in Race Two on Thursday.

The five year old pacer who’s trained by Tony Stratford has been a late bloomer, only qualifying last month at Gore when running solo.

“He’s well over seventeen hands and has been given time because of the size of him. We’ve quite liked him since he’s been here. He’s been around a bit and Kenny (owner Kenny Baynes) has done what Kenny does and has thrown him in the paddock for twelve months,” Stratford said.

The gelding was back at the workouts at Wyndham on Saturday and went to the line under a tight hold to win his heat.

“He was quite impressive the other day and his run was super. He still has plenty of gears left and he ran a bit of time. He’s a good staying horse. He’ll go pretty good I’d say and it’ll take a good one to beat him as long as we have no hiccups.”

The half-brother to the well preformed Mucho Macho Man (9 wins) and Miss Mucho (5) will be taken forward from barrier six.

“He’s got good gate speed so he’ll definitely go forward and keep rolling.”

Muchacho will be handled by Blair Orange.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink