Mitchell has each way chances at Cambridge tonight

Todd Mitchell reckons Im Not The Maid (A Rocknroll Dance) is the best of his four harness racing drives at Cambridge tonight (Sep 03).

“Most of them are probably each way chances with a bit of luck,” says Mitchell.

Mitchell’s night kicks off with the Scott Dickson-trained Tres Bonne Fille in Race 2, the Trot Into Tuesdays, Win Your Share of $5k Mobile Pace over 2200 metres. The three-year-old filly finished fifth here on August 27 after a tough run.

“She’s been left parked in her last couple of races and hasn’t finished off well but tonight’s draw of 11 might see her get a better trip which will help,” says Mitchell.

In Race 4, the Betavet Buildagut Mobile Pace over 1700 metres, Mitchell drives the Arna Donnelly-trained Cracker Rock.

The three-year-old by Rock N Roll Heaven has been in good form this campaign with Mitchell steering the gelding to a fresh up second placing when just a nose behind stable mate and winner Bad Medicine, followed by a win here at Cambridge over 1700 metres. In just a four horse field on that occasion, Mitchell dictated terms throughout to score a comfortable win by 1.25 lengths over She’s Apples.

“He’s been racing really well and is still a bit green yet,” says Mitchell, “although it was only a four horse field when he won the other week, he found the line well and had gotten a bit stronger.”

“I think he’ll be better driven with a sit and is definitely a place chance, Red Rackham will be the one to beat in that field.”

Red Rackham, also trained by Arna Donnelly, has relished the Cambridge racing of late with a hat-trick of wins throughout August.

Mitchell’s next drive is on the Bernie Hackett and Michelle Wallis-trained Shesgold in Race 5, the MVS Equibreed Handicap Trot over 2200 metres.

The four-year-old mare by Love You starts fresh up off the front line tonight but has had two preparatory workouts leading into the event for a win and a second placing.

“She did go a couple of good races early in her career, but a couple of tough runs knocked her a bit,” says Mitchell, “Michelle (Wallis) has said that she trialled up ok but we’ll be driving her for one run tonight, and while she’s capable of running a place, given she’s fresh up she might just need the run to bring her on.”

In his final drive of the night, Mitchell partners with the Ray Green-trained Im Not The Maid in Race 6, the Octoberfest at The Clubhouse, 4th October Mobile Pace over 1700 metres.

Another last start winner at Cambridge, the three-year-old filly by A Rocknroll Dance has had just three starts for a second, fourth and a win. Her win a fortnight ago came after firing off the mobile from barrier six to lead from start to finish holding on to win by 0.75 lengths.

“I haven’t driven this filly before, but she seems to go alright having a placing and a win from just three starts, and the field doesn’t look overly strong,” says Mitchell, “there’s a couple of scratchings too which won’t hurt, I’d say she’s a good each way chance.”

Mitchell, who also trains from his property at Tauwhare, also revealed that his promising pacer Kings Watch would be off the scene for some time after developing a quarter crack. The four year old by He’s Watching was an impressive back to back race winner in July before the hoof issue arose.

“The quarter crack popped up the just prior to when he was set to race at Alexandra Park so we pulled pin and had Kim Hughes out to do some remedial shoeing on him” says Mitchell “He’ll have a good spell now to let the hoof grow out and spend some time in the pool when he returns to work later in the year.”

Racing at Cambridge gets underway with Race one at 5.24pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Brigette Solomon, for Harness Racing New Zealand