Douglas has good chances across the Wairio day

Ascot Park based harness racing trainer Jeremy Douglas looks to continue his stable’s good form when he takes a team of five to the Wairio Trotting Club’s Cup Day meeting at Central Southland Raceway today.

Minnie McGoogan (Pegasus Spur) which ran fourth in the Group One New Zealand Trotting Oaks, lines up in Race One and Douglas says the four year old mare will be suited to the mobile.

“If you’re going to write a script for the perfect race for Minnie McGoogan this one would probably be it. Hopefully the right Minnie McGoogan turns up on the day,” Douglas said. He confirmed the mare has been served by What The Hill.

Last start winner Magic Sign (Terror To Love) is looking to continue his winning way after leading for Blair Orange and hanging on at the Northern Southland meeting at Ascot Park.

“I was taken by surprise by Blair’s tactics but it worked out and it shows he knows what he’s doing and is a very good man to have in the cart. I think he’ll manage the step up in grade because he’s been there before and has gone better in the higher grades. I expect him to go well again.”

Douglas’s second runner in Race Five is Boot Scootin Boggie (Heston Blue Chip) who draws seven on the front row.

“Widish draw, and I feel she probably needs to drop down in the ratings to get to a level where she’s a bit more competitive. She’ll run the odd nice place in this grade if she gets the right run which she’s almost certainly not going to get this week.”

The consistent Macandrew Navigator (Sir Lincoln) lines up in Race Eight against a small but quality field.

“I think he’s one of the better ones. He’s got the draw to suit. I think he’ll be good value for money and my pick of the day. I expect him to be in the first couple at the finish.”

In the pacing feature the $20,000 Otautau Four Square Supermarket Wairio Cup Jeremy lines up Westar Lad (Changeover) who ran sixth at his last start on a wet old day at Cromwell on the grass.

“I’ve just put a line through that run. I honestly believe he said ‘to hell with running into the hail.’ He’s been bright since and I’m very happy with him. Although he can run on the grass I suspect he’s a better grit horse. I don’t think he’s out of this at all. It’s hard to see him winning, but I don’t think he’ll be far away all the same.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink