O’Reilly out to extend her premiership lead

New Zealand’s leading junior driver Sarah O’Reilly will be out to extend her lead in the junior drivers premiership today (Jul. 16) with a fairly even book of harness racing drives at Addington.

O’Reilly is currently sitting on 43 winners for the season, and has all but skedaddled from her nearest rival Carter Dalgety, who is sitting in second place on the table with 29 winners for the season.

Of her six drives today, O’Reilly rates her Ashburton employees Brent & Tim White trained Franco Messi (American Ideal) ($2.00FF) as her best chance in race 4.

“Franco Messi would be my best drive.

“The draw will be handy for him. He’s been working good. If he get’s a good trip, I can’t see why he won’t be in the finish.”

O’Reilly also combines with the White’s trained Kohli Trouble (Superfast Stuart) ($6.00FF) in race 5.

“He’s had a freshen up, and trialled up well this week. He felt good, and feeling a lot better than when he was last racing. He’s a good beginner so drawn one is good.”

In race 6 O’Reilly will drive Elite Styx (Betting Line) ($4.00FF) for West Melton trainer Grant Payne.

After finding the line well at her previous start, O’Reilly will not be surprised with a forward showing today from the 4 year old Betting Line mare.

“I was really happy with her run last start. The draw won’t worry her too much. Hopefully with a genuine tempo she should be running on pretty well.”

O’Reilly also drives Thistle ($21.00FF) in race 2 for West Melton trainer Brian Hill, Not Over ($16.00FF) in race 7 for Ashburton trainer Wendy Stevenson, and Carrera Lucia ($26.00FF) in race 9 for Prebbleton trainer Michael House.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness News Desk