Doubles for Herlihy and Poutama

Doubles to Tony Herlihy and Andre Poutama highlighted last night’s harness racing action at Alexandra Park.

Herlihy went into the meeting with a strong book of drives, and didn’t take long to salute, with three-year-old trotter Luby Lill (What The Hill) winning Race 2.

After stepping away quietly Luby Lill settled four back the fence before the leader Elle Bee Jay broke causing inside runners to move off the fence allowing Herlihy to slip into the trail.

Luby Lill moved to the parked position with 1200m to go before Aldebaran Allblack came round to provide cover down the back, with Herlihy making a run from the quarter and Luby Lill proving too good.

“I was really happy with both winners, both horses put their best foot forward and enjoyed a bit of luck in running which always helps” says Herlihy.

Herlihy then grabbed a race to race double with favourite Jethro Bodine (Sweet Lou) taking out Race 3.

After leading off the gate Jethro Bodine enjoyed cover behind stable mate Park Lane. Red Rackham was sent forward down the back leaving Jethro Bodine three back the fence before Herlihy moved off the pegs at the quarter.

With a gap opening on the inside on straightening Herlihy dropped back down to the passing lane to run away from runner up Red Rackham. The other two Herlihy trained runners Busload Of Faith and Park Lane finished fourth and fifth respectively.

“On their work I had thought Busload Of Faith had it over the stable mates, but he was parked and did more work which told, he’s a big horse with strengthening up to do and should improve with time and more racing.”

Of Herlihy’s other runners Ordained finished fourth in Race 4 and Bettor Heist seventh in Race 7.

Andre Poutama also drove a winning double starting with Smokinhotcheddar, who he also trains. A roughie, she paid $25 for the win.

“I was pretty surprised how well she went, I had actually expected her to go better last start and was disappointed with that run, but I did think the 2700m would suit her and got a good run through following Nelson’s Boy whose form has been good,” says Poutama.

“Its always good to get a win in your own colours too, it’s a whole family effort with the horses so it’s rewarding for all of us.”

Poutama’s second win was with Lincoln River in Race 7, the Congratulations John & Lynne Street For 1000 Wins Mobile Pace. Aptly enough Lincoln River is trained by Lincoln Farms trainer Ray Green with Lincoln Farms Bloodstock also in the ownership group.

“I work at Lincoln Farms in the morning before training my own team in the afternoons, so it’s always good to drive winners for them,” says Poutama.

Lincoln River was one off, three back throughout the race before Poutama made his run three wide from the 400m mark. Lincoln River sustained his run nicely to finish over the top of Brookies Jaffa in second and Louezyana third.

Kiwitrix also finally tasted success again winning Race 4 for trainers Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett. This was the gelding’s first win since joining the stable in November despite a number of placings, and the win came penalty free with junior driver Crystal Hackett doing the driving.

For complete race results, click here.

by Brigette Solomon, for Harness Racing New Zealand