Quirky trotter gets another shot at Cambridge

After getting things wrong at Alexandra Park on Friday night, Crazy (Crazed) is set to step out at Cambridge Raceway this evening, and local trainer Tim Hall is confident the quirky campaigner is ready to deliver—if he can keep his cool.

The eight-year-old son of Crazed returned from a two-year Australian stint in January.

Due to a lack of mobile racing for trotters here in New Zealand at that time, Hall made the decision to send him across the Tasman in search of more suitable racing opportunities after he developed a dislike for standing starts.

“He was really good with stands in the beginning, but then he started to get a bee in his bonnet,” Hall said with a laugh. “That really limited him over here, as there weren’t many mobile starts for trotters at the time.”

During his Australian campaign, Crazy raced in both Victoria and Queensland. Hall believes the experience was invaluable.

“He came back in brilliant order, a much more mature and travelled horse,” he said.

Since his return, Crazy has posted one win and three placings from 12 starts. Hall has been happy with his recent efforts.

“I think he’s gone well in some good fields. His mobile form has been strong, and he’s been pretty consistent—at least for him.”

Crazy hits the track tonight at Cambridge Raceway in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Mobile Trot (6:13 p.m.). Hall is cautiously optimistic, noting that success will come down to the gelding’s behaviour.

“On paper, it’s a race where he can definitely earn some money,” Hall said. “His vulnerability is whether or not he does things right.”

Hall is encouraged by how Crazy pulled up after Friday’s misstep.

“He’s come through it well. Tony (Herlihy) looked after him when he made his mistake—didn’t chase him, just gave him a little hit out. He’s licked the bowl since then, so we’re hopeful.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jordyn Bublitz for Harness Racing New Zealand