Manners are the key with short-priced trotter

The harness racing stable has three runners engaged but Ben Hope will be one and done at Addington’s midweek meeting today.

All three of the Greg and Ben Hope-trained runners will be short priced favourites on the seven race card.

Hope’s sole drive will be with Viva La Vida (Love You) in Race 2, the Unhinged Racing Syndicate Mobile Trot (4.55pm). At last look he was paying $2.15 in the six horse field.

“He’s very short isn’t he?,” says Hope.

“But he’s not a bad wee maiden …. he does have ability.”

He warmed up for his race day resumption with a second behind Major Cyclone at the trials at Rangiora last Thursday. He led all the way before galloping late.

“He has got it wrong at the trials the last couple of times and that last time I blame myself. I pushed him too much.”

The Love You three-year-old has just had the three lifetime starts and while unplaced he was up against the likes of Meant To Be and Habibti Pat last campaign.

“On paper if he trots he’d have to be hard to beat.”

With manners being so crucial the fact that today’s race is a mobile should be a big help.

Ben and his father Greg also line up Kowhai Nugget in Race 1, the Ladies Night 13 June – Book Now (Amateur Drivers) Mobile Pace and Franco Elvis in Race 7, the Seahorse Supplements Mobile Pace (7.34pm).

Kowhai Nugget is a $2.25 favourite for Cheree Wigg.

“He can’t really get off the gate that good but can be put into the race so Cheree will know what to do and we are lucky to have her on.”

To be driven by Gemma Thornley, Franco Elvis is also short in the market at $2.50 FF.

“Gemma’s been driving him great so she will drive him again.”

Clearly in-form he’s had two placings in his last two starts.

“The way he has hit the line has been pleasing and he has to be driven for that sit.”

The father-son combo have been in partnership since April and have already had nine wins from 74 starts.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness News Desk