Sam Thornley rates his chances at Rangiora

Canterbury junior reinsman Sam Thornley heads to Rangiora today with a solid book of harness racing drives, including some decent each way chances.

“There are a few that have better chances than others, but in saying that they will all have their chance,” said Sam Thornley. 

Mode ($2.80FF) will be looking to go back-to-back in Race 4, the NCT Remembers Davey Rowe Trot over 2600m. The four-year-old Trixton mare won well last time out at Banks Peninsula after trotting boldly the entire trip at her third start for leading trainer Michael House.

“She trotted really well last time, and I spoke to Michael earlier this week and the reports are that she’s trained on really well. The small field should help, so I expect her to go close,” said Thornley.

Steph’s Boy ($6.00FF) for trainer Graham Court looks well placed to run a race at good each way value for Thornley in Race 5, The Anglers Arms Mobile Pace over 2600m. Bringing up start number 100, the seven-year-old Johny Rock gelding may find the company slightly easier than the town hall company he’s been racing.

“It should be a slight drop back in class. He’s been racing well at Addington, so I expect him to go a good race,” said Thornley.

Thornley says his best drive comes in race six The Kaikanui Tavern (Junior Drivers) pace over 2000m with Quicker Than Quick ($4.50FF) again for trainer Graham Court. The four-year-old Lazarus gelding broke maidens two starts ago at Rangiora on the grass surface, and almost went two in a row at Banks Peninsula. Back on the grit today however does not give Thornley any qualms about their chances.

“He went really good last time. He’s usually a quick beginner from the stand, we hopefully we can get a handy position and be hard to beat,” said Thornley.

Thornley will reunite with Mr Wingman ($18.00FF) in Race 7, the Congrats 50 Years Married Greg & Annette Wright Mobile Pace over 2000m for trainer Brent Borcoskie.

“I think he will be good value. We follow out one of John’s (Dunn) so we should get an economical trip and be a good top four chance,” said Thornley.

Thornley’s other drives are Hey Tonight ($31.00FF) in Race 8, Lindy’s Rocket ($16.00FF) in race nine and Allbetsroff ($51.00FF) in Race 10.

Race one gets underway at 12:14pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand