Hill takes a strong pair to Addington

Swannanoa harness racing trainer Brendon Hill takes a strong pair to Addington Raceway tonight (Jun. 9).

In race 2 Point Break, a three-year-old Bettors Delight gelding out of good mare Break Dance (by Art Major), has been turning heads in recent Canterbury trials and is not a surprise $2.00FF favourite.

Hill says although the opening price may be a little short for his liking, Point Break is not without talent.

“He’s probably a bit short for a first starter.

“There’s a lot of confidence in the camp, especially to run top 3. He ran home in 56.4 at the trials the other day and (son) Seth didn’t pull the plugs!”

Point Break draws one over 1980m and will have a few tactical options with Ricky May driving.

“Ricky might have to bowl the gate and lead, but if there’s other nice horses that want to lead, he’ll probably hand up.

“He’s there to win, but we don’t want to hurt him first up!”

The gelding was a yearling sales purchase at the 2021 Christchurch sale for $52,000.

Hill has a good chance of a race to race double with his Art Major filly Double Down ($8.00FF) in race 3. She has one win and three placings from just five starts, although Hill acknowledges it is a strong field.

“It’s a handy little field, though it is winnable for her.

“Top 3 and I’m happy.”

Double Down was able to lead from a similar draw in her previous start at Addington where she was run down late by the Michael House pair Superstar Legend and Smokin Annie.

“We’ve changed a few things, and her work has been really good.”

Ricky May also takes the drive on Double Down on what is a busy night for him – with a total of 7 drives. May rates the Hill runners as his best, while the remainder have solid top 4 chances.

Race 5 Smoke On The Water ($8.00FF) for Matt Purvis: “Going really well. Just such a bad draw, but with a bit of luck he’s certainly good enough.”

Race 6 King Of Love ($4.20FF) for Greg & Nina Hope: “Went really well at Ashburton. Definitely a good chance.”

Race 7 Jack Tar ($16.00FF) for Greg & Nina Hope: “He’s a tough horse. But it is a good field.”

Race 9 Stella Arden ($7.00FF) for Grant Payne: “Pretty happy with her the other night. If she can back up with another run like that she’s a top 4 chance.”

Race 10 McCrikey ($12.00FF) for Greg & Nina Hope: “The 1 draw will help him as long as we don’t get shuffled too far back.”

Other points of interest tonight are a few potential milestones – one a definite – Take After Me having his 200th race day start as a trotter in race 6 – alongside pending memberships in the 500 win club for Stephen McNally (Kahntdoitalone in Race 1) and Peter Davis (Race 6 Kink & Race 8 The Fox) both sitting on 499 career driving wins.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness News Desk