Folklore a big chance to double up

Jonny Cox hopes Folklore (Sportswriter) can cash in again while she’s in the form of her life when she starts in the Southern Belle Speed Series Final at Winton on Thursday

The gritty mare will attempt to continue her outstanding recent harness racing form when taking on a quality field of mares in the feature sprint.

Folklore comes into the event on the back on a string of strong performances which started with her outstanding Southern Belle Speed Series heat win at Ascot Park in January.

Cox puts the mare’s brilliant autumn and summer form down to the mare getting better with age, combined with some more aggressive driving tactics.

“She is just getting a bit better with age and to be honest I am probably driving her a wee bit more positively and it is paying off,” Cox said.

“We will look to go forward a little bit tomorrow and see what happens.”

Folklore rates a serious winning threat on her recent efforts.

While it is not known whether the mare will win, it is sure she will try her hardest.

“She tries her heart out and this race will be no different.”

“We obviously need a little bit of luck from the draw (6) and there are obviously two or three mares that have been racing really well down here.”

“She isn’t going to get it all her own way but coming off last week’s run – I was pretty happy with the effort – she is fit and well.”

Cox links up with the Cran and Chrissie Dalgety trained Black Pearl in the final Southland Oaks heat of the year on Thursday.

The filly chased the smart Fortify when third in her last start at Addington which is very strong form to bring south.

“A couple of scratchings have probably helped her chances even more.”

“She has been going good races in Canterbury against good horses.”

“She’s got a wide draw (7) but I think the 2400m will suit her this week.”

Cox also links up with the Amber Hoffman trained One Change in the Winton Businesses Cup.

The pacer starts from the tough back mark of 35m and race tempo will be key to his chances.

“It is a massive ask but he is a pretty smart horse.”

“Hopefully there’s a bit of speed of the front and a few keep rolling.”

“He is a good follower of speed, it is definitely not going to be easy but he is definitely in with a chance I think.”

Cox also drives The Matriarch, Jimmy Steel and Hes Santas Excuse at Winton on Thursday.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand