Hope team banking on luck at Addington

Woodend Beach harness racing trainers Ben and Greg Hope will be looking for some luck with their four runners at today’s Addington meeting.

“All runners are a chance with a bit of luck on our side,” said a statement on the Ben and Greg Hope Racing Facebook page.

In the main event of the day, race eight, the Lisa Latta Racing ‘Silk Road’ Winter Series Final over 1980m for a good stake of $25,000, the Hope pair Rena and Our Shangri La will need to overcome some tricky draws to compete.

Rena ($10.00FF), driven by Gemma Thornley, has drawn the outside of the gate. Coming into today off the back of a strong win last time, the three-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven filly will need to be on her game to feature, but does possess the speed to do so.

Our Shangri Lana ($7.50FF), driven by Ben Hope, has drawn the outside of the second row and will need luck on her side. Coming into today third up in a campaign, the four-year-old Art Major mare has been building nicely.

Other chances in the event include current equal favourites Tremendous Sensation ($5.50FF) with driver Blair Orange and trainer Ken Barron, while Major Performer ($5.50FF) for driver Carter Dalgety and trainer Trent Yesberg, who has been recently gaining some beach air while domiciled with Matt Purvis, looks a strong chance.

Grettymac ($3.00FF), a newcomer to the Hope barn, has her first race for the team in race seven, the Thanks To All My Loyal Owners & Staff Handicap Trot over 2600m, driven by Ben Hope.

Formerly with Jonny Cox, the six-year-old Majestic Son mare last raced in April this year and has not been seen at trials or workouts since.

Randel Huston P ($2.90FF) is the current favourite for trainers Brent and Tim White, driven by Blair Orange, while Deirdre Franco ($8.00FF) looks a trotter in form for trainer Chris Thornley to be driven by regular pilot Gemma Thornley.

Kowhai Nugget ($4.80FF) rounds out the Hopes’ chances in race nine, the Thanks Rangiora Equine Services Mobile Pace over 1980m.

The five-year-old Sweet Lou gelding did not have things go right at his previous start, but has the draw to use to regain form.

Race one gets underway at 1:13pm.

For complete Addington fields, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand