Mike looking for home runs

Harness racing trainer Mike Berger will be at his local racetrack with six horses for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Harness meeting at Cambridge tomorrow night (Jul 20). 

His first starter will be Rockafilly (Rock N Roll Heaven) in Race Two. The three year old filly qualified on the track seventeen months ago and has been to plenty of workouts since. She finished a distant third behind two race winner Blazing Louis (Sweet Lou) in her latest outing. 

“I was quite pleased with her run but it’s different to racing. The race (track) is on our back doorstep and you’ve got to start them some time. She’s a nice little filly without being a superstar,” Berger said. 

Trotting mare Quik Sharnie (Quaker Jet) broke at her last start losing all chances. Her prior form was solid, and she’ll start off a ten metre handicap in Race Three. 

“The break was a little bit out of the blue. It was a race where they went hammer and tongs and I think she got a bit tired. I’ve been happy with her work. Leah Hibell is driving her, I was pleased to get her. She had a drive on the mare this morning just to get a feel for her. We were both quite happy with the way she worked, I’m hoping she’s a chance.”  

Berger has two starters in Race Four – Barbarossa (Captaintreacherous) and Millies Sensation (A Rocknroll Dance). 

After sitting parked at his last start two weeks ago, Barbarossa faded and finished fifth. He’s got a good draw at four tomorrow night.  

“He relaxes out there. It wasn’t a bad drive and he wacked away. He normally doesn’t get the best of draws so the draw will help him. David Butcher will drive him and he could win on a rocking horse. So anything’s possible when he’s on.” 

Millies Sensation was seen running on at her last start and will be driven by Ben Butcher from barrier five. 

“I was pleased with her. It was her first run for quite a long time. She drew wide, they went a 56 mile rate and she ran on nicely from the back. Tongue in cheek I’d rate her as my best chance on the night.” 

Rozona Rose (Art Major) didn’t show too much fight on debut after getting a good run. The three year old filly draws wide at gate seven. 

“She tries hard and just needs a bit more time to strengthen up. You’re always going around hoping you can get a bit (stake) but she’s more there for the experience. After that run she’s likely to go out for a couple of months just to strengthen up a bit.” 

Berger’s runner Lady La Salle (Sweet Lou) for Race Seven was held up late at her last start. She’ll be handled by Monika Ranger from barrier eight. 

“She’s been disappointing. She feels a lot better in work than when she races. Last week she was three back on the fence and looked to be jogging but just battled on for fourth. She had a chance to win it and couldn’t. One day she’s going to come out and race to her ability and catch us all by surprise.”  

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink