Gray on weather watch for Riverton

Ryal Bush trainer Brett Gray is keeping a close eye on the weather before today’s Riverton Trotting Club meeting at Riverton.

He thinks most of his horses will handle the grass surface but that some could have their sprint blunted by a wet track.

Arma Forest (Downbytheseaside) runs for the stable in Race Two.

“He’s getting there. I still think he’s a run or two away. I was going to go to the workouts but the Club was a little bit light on numbers so I threw him in there to support the meeting,” Gray said.

At her last start three year old filly Havtimfordiamonds (Art Major) was wide early then sat parked before fading in the run home. She draws six in Race Four.

“We gave her a few days off after that run. She’s been working really well. She’s a wee Art Major mare so if it’s real wet it might take a wee bit of the speed out of her.”

Daisymerollin (What The Hill) has had two career starts without running a place. This time in she’s had one trial. She starts from the outside of the unruly in Race Five.

“She had a lovely wee trial the other day. She’s still a work in progress but has got a bit more solid. The ability is there, she just has to show it on race day.”

In Race Seven Jaccka Ace (Father Patrick) takes his place for Gray. He broke at his last start at the Northern Southland meeting.

“I’m happy with his work and Dan (junior driver Dan Anderson) has been stepping him (practice) a bit so hopefully he’ll be right.”

Nine year old gelding The Big Lebowski (Mach Three) is starting to run back into form. He shares the back mark of 30 metres in the Carriers Arms Hotel Riverton Cup.

“He went super last time and he does like the grass. I think he needs it to be a little bit firmer and not too wet. A wet track could take the speed out of him.”

Jaccka Jim (Father Patrick) was impressive in winning on debut but blew to bits at his following start at Cromwell. He lines up in Race Ten and starts off the unruly mark on the ten metre handicap.

“They stood around a bit at Cromwell. He’s just learning the game. He’s a horse with immense ability, he’s our best bet.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink