Clonakilty to upset Pete’s party in Reefton Cup

Piccadilly Pete ($2.25FF) is in a great run of form going into today’s Rosco Contractors Reefton Pacers Cup over 2500m.

After winning the Westport cup and backing up on day two of that meeting with another empathic harness racing victory there is no reason to doubt he will be hard to beat once again.

One horse that may spoil the party is a newcomer to the circuit in Clonakilty (Downbytheseaside).

The Brent and Tim White trained runner has opened a close second favourite at $2.90FF although co-trainer Tim White suggests the Downbytheseaside gelding may be looking for the run.

“We’re happy enough but I think he will need a bit of racing in this company. He got crook and he’s taken a bit to get through it. This is his first trip away from home so he will improve a lot with whatever he does,” said White.

“He’s definitely an each way chance.”

Clonakilty has not raced since running ninth at Methven back in October – the only blemish in his form now having won three from just four starts.

“He’s lacked a real hard trial. He had a quiet one at Methven then at Addington they didn’t go hard.”

In the trotters version of the Reefton Cup sponsored by Dawson’s Hotel, the White team line up their only other runner to the meeting in KD Royalty ($14.00FF). After producing a good effort at Ascot Park last time out the five year old Royal Aspirations mare may give punters a run for their money at juicy odds.

“I think she’s a lovely chance. She’s going really well and was unlucky at Invercargill.”

“She’ll get set up for the Seddon Shield so we’ll probably go to Nelson after this.”

The Paul Nairn trio who ran the trifecta in the main trot at Westport two days ago – Masterly, El Conqueror and Tu Tangata – look to be the hardest to beat.

Gerard O’Reilly will take the drive on both Clonakilty and KD Royalty.

Race one gets underway at 11.52am.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand