Hopes after more success today

After training a hat-trick at the previous meeting there, Woodend beach harness racing trainers Greg and Ben Hope will be looking to continue their good form at today’s Rangiora meeting.

They’ll line up a solid team of seven.

“I can’t really label one as being a certainty – but they’ve all got good chances,” said co-trainer and driver Ben Hope.

In Race 2, the C ME 1ST Painters Pace over 2600m three-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven filly Rena ($8.00FF) will have to step from barrier one to be competitive – and Hope thinks she will.

“I don’t think the draw will bother her too much. If she gets an economical trip I’d like to think she’s a first four chance.” 

Westar Molly ($2.90FF) will start as favourite in Race 4, the Canterbury Plains Challenge Consolation drawn one over 2600m.

“She’s been going near enough and with her good draw we will look to use that and try and stay handy. She’s a realistic chance of going close again.”

Also in the event is Krystal Delight ($15.00FF) to be driven by Gemma Thornley. The 10-year-old mare may be having one of her final career starts today at start 149.

“She’s good enough on her day, but she’s getting close to a broodmare paddock.”

The meeting today showcases the finals of the Anne Thompson Graduation series. Kashanova ($3.30FF) in Race 5 looks a very strong chance in the trotters version.

“Smart horse with a big future. He’s still learning. Paddy McDaddy looks hard to beat, but I think on ability alone we will go close.”

Race 7 is the pacers version of the Graduation Series Final, and the Hopes line up Justa Rippa ($17.00FF) for just his second race day start after a strong debut placing.

“It’s a tricky field. If we can finish in the first four or five we will be quite happy. He is well bred and he will do a nice job in the future. He won’t be a maiden for long.”

Crown The Moment ($2.70FF) looks well poised to go close in Race 9, the Dawe Contracting Mobile Trot over 2000m. The five-year-old Father Patrick gelding has been in fine form lately – and has the draw to work in their favour.

“He’s another that’s found one better his last couple. We will use the draw and see where we end up.”

Rounding out the day and the chances for the Hopes is grand campaigner Jack Tar in the Farewell From Rangiora HRC Until Next Season Mobile Pace over 2000m who will be driven by Gemma Thornley.

“He’s tough and sticks on well. Miki Bennett looks hard to beat but just with his toughness you’ve got to say he’s a first four player.”

Race one gets underway today at 11.25am.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand