McIlwrick hoping to unleash some magic

Reinsman Rory McIlwrick is hoping to unleash some McIlwrick harness racing magic at Winton on Wednesday (Jan. 11).

Southland’s most entertaining driver combines with a handy book of drives including the Wayne Adams trained On The Beach (Downbytheseaside).

The three-year-old impressed when bolting in in his latest trial by five lengths ahead of his debut in race 10.

“He is a wee bit green the big fella,” McIlwrick said.

“He has certainly got the motor, but does he have the ringcraft?”

“A few runs into racing will certainly sort him out.”

“We will just see how he goes, but I certainly like him, he is a really nice horse.”

“But I think time will be his friend.”

McIlwrick also combines with Cameo Franco (Art Major), a debutante in race 4.

“I certainly think she is a good first-three chance with the level of this field.”

“If she puts her hand up and does everything right – I think she has got a little bit of a motor in there.”

McIlwrick reunites with Captain Starlight (Changeover) who will be out to continue his consistent form in race 9.

“He is one of my favourites, he is a bit of a rogue – he is a bit different.”

“But he is getting better and better all the time.”

“He is certainly a horse that I think in the coming years will get to that country cups grade.”

Sage Trouble (The Pres) looks the best of McIlwrick’s remaining drives on Wednesday.

Brent and Tim White are looking for an unexpected win from Better’s Tart in the first heat of the Southern Belle Speed Series at Winton.

The trainers had no plans to line their Roxburgh Cup winner up on Wednesday but the way the mare has thrived over the past week has changed their minds.

“It was a big run at Roxburgh and it was a hot day so we thought we would miss this heat.”

“But she has been jumping out of her skin and running around the paddock, so after they left the noms open we put her in.”

Betters Tart has been rated the hot $1.50 fixed odds favourite for Wednesday’s mares feature.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand