Jess and Maria looking for more

Punters may find the tried and true to be the best formula when attacking grass track racing at the Banks Peninsula Trotting Club’s meeting this afternoon.

And it’s for that reason that Clasina Maria should be hardest to beat in the day’s feature for the father and daughter combination of Paul and Jessica Young. The Art Major four-year-old mare has shown a real affinity to the grass track surface out at Motukarara with two of her three career wins on the track.

With a blistering turn of foot, that is often unseen on the grass, Clasina Maria has the ability to stalk the speed and then unleash down the long straight.

It won’t be easy though with noted grass-track performer, Johnny Eyre also engaged in the race with Stevie Golding picking up the drive off his partner, Sam Ottley after she elected to stick with Rocki Warrior who is trained by her Mum, Denise.

Johnny Eyre’s last start came in the Reefton Cup where he pulled out all stops to hold off the challenges of a good field. With his usual good manners today the Mike Brown trained pacer should be able to get on the speed and be there when it counts.

Cran Dalgety’s Linton Shard also looks a chance in the race.

Ottley could be in for a good day, with a strong book of drives throughout the programme – fresh off the back of her double at Invercargill yesterday with Whittaker and Ariadne Lavra.

She Drives the in-form Momentous who will be looking to make it back-to-back victories after a big win at Rangiora last time for Andrew Garters.

The Muscleman gelding, who is a half-brother to noted trotters, Moment Of Truth and Dr Hook will without doubt make use of his exemplary manners and put himself in the race.

Ottley’s other drives include London Grammar, Matrika and Cullen’s Joy who all hold each way hopes.

Super Selector – By Matt Markham

Race 1: Ace Commander Gold Sovereign, Zoned Scarlett, Spurred By Success

Race 2: Rena Bay, Sky City King, Highview Justice, Like Ya More

Race 3: Say Your Pres, Prince George, Kai Time, Whataboyz

Race 4: Cullen’s Joy, Blazing VC, English Rose, Loretta Franco

Race 5: Black Art, Novak, Regal Grin, Matrika

Race 6: Buckeye, Our Quinn, Highland Reign, Kiel

Race 7: Arannalea, Time For Diamonds, BK Dawn, Ella Abbe

Race 8: Canderdel, Jack Hammer, Shadow Rider, Real South

Race 9: Johnny Eyre, Clasina Maria, Rocki Warrior, Linton Shard

Race 10: Momentous, Free Bird, Mon Richie, Soney Beatt

Race 11: Volatile Lavra, Articulight, Wobbegong, Donegal Carrickfinn

Best Bet: Arrannalea (Race 7)

Value: Cullen’s Joy (Race 4)