Hoff and running

Waikouaiti harness racing trainer Amber Hoffman heads to Ascot Park on Friday (Jun. 9). She’ll have with her some new faces who’ll be there for the experience as well as her established team.

Three year old trotter Petite Trixton (Trixton) debuts for the stable in Race One. She’s had three trials, running second in her first two before winning on the 24th of May. She’s got a great pedigree with her second dam Petite Sunset (Monarchy) winning seven races and her third dam Pride Of Petite (Royal Prestige) taking out thirty five.

“She’s a nice horse but very very big. We probably won’t see the best of her until she’s a four year old. She’s got good manners but it’s going to be a bit of a shock to the system being around a few more horses than what she’s seen at the trials. I expect her to trot all the way and go a nice race,” Hoffman said. 

Seven year old mare Jonique (Well Said) draws the inside of the second row in Race Three. She was unlucky at her last start at Winton.

“Craig (driver Craig Ferguson) was really happy with her. At her last start she didn’t get a run as the horse in front of her stopped. Craig said she was full of running. If she can get some luck this week I think she can run in the top three. She’s my best bet.”

In Race Four Amber lines up another first starter in Cheer Me On (He’s Watching). She’s had three trials, qualifying at the last one.

“She’s quite a nice filly who’s a bit highly strung. We’re treating this as a trial for her because she’s only trialled against two or three horses at Oamaru. The main aim is to get her around in one piece to give her some confidence. She is a nice filly, and her work has been good.”

Last start winner The Jafa Express (Auckland Reactor) gets a tricky draw (7) in Race Seven. He looks to have turned a corner, winning at Winton by four lengths.

“It was nice to see him put in the race. When he’s been back in the field he’s switched off and done his own thing. He’s been working well but hasn’t got the greatest of draws. Kerryn (Tomlinson) will have to put him in the race at some stage.”

Five year old trotting mare Magnifique Dimanche (Angus Hall) returns to the racetrack after a seven month break. Her preparation for tomorrow’s race includes two trials at Oamaru. In the last trial she ran second to race day rival Our Golden Kenny (Love You).

“The first trial we gave her I wasn’t too happy because she galloped three or four times and couldn’t round the bends. At her second trial Matty Williamson drove her and she got round nicely and came home well. As long as she’s improved off the back of that trial she should go a nice race. I’m not expecting her to win. I’m hoping she gets round the Invercargill bends.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink