Sisters swap drives due to regulations

The rules and regulations of Alert Level 3 could provide a winning turn for sisters Kerryn and Sheree Tomlinson starting at Ascot Park on Thursday.

Kerryn takes the reins behind four horses in New Zealand’s first harness racing meeting since the country moved out of its Level Four Lockdown in Invercargill.

A regular on the southern harness scene for several seasons, Sheree has been forced out of the sulky because of regional travel restrictions.

The situation has worked in Kerryn’s favour on Thursday as she has picked up Sheree’s regular drive behind King Cassidy in race 5.

Though Kerryn was quick to point out she will return the favour on Friday.

“King Cassidy is a very nice drive to pick up, but Sheree gets my drive on Friday night with That’s The Story.”

“I reckon he is a pretty good chance, so hopefully it works out pretty good for both of us.”

King Cassidy (The Pres) comes into Thursday’s feature trot following a gritty second behind Sundons Flyer in his last start after parking out.

The Chris Gerken trained trotter gets the same conditions in which he produced a powerful fresh up win in June – racing over 2200m and starting from the 10m mark.

“The handicap looks really good for him in that field, hopefully he can begin well and stay in front of his main rivals.”

“He has been going great races right through the winter and he has got good manners.”

“I think he should be a pretty good chance.”

Tomlinson also drives the Matthew Williamson trained Wolfenstein in race 9.

The six-year-old bounced back to form with a big performance for second in a much weaker line up in his last start at Oamaru.

Wolfenstein (Auckland Reactor) gets a big opportunity on Thursday, drawing inside his main rivals in barrier 2 over the 1700m sprint trip.

“He went really well at Oamaru, if he can go like that again he would have to be a good chance.”

“He has got gate speed and he does like to lead, he seems to be much happier there.”

“With the draw, hopefully he will get his chance.”

In race 10, Tomlinson combines with Midnight In Memphis who was very unlucky in his last start behind Major Punter.

Though clashing with the same pacer again amongst a smart field won’t be easy, the Michael House trained five-year-old is far from the worst eachway option.

“He was very unlucky in his last start.”

“It is a pretty good field, but he has got a good draw and if we can stay handy he should be right there.”

Tomlinson also combines with outside hope Friendly Eyre in race 8.

by Jonny Turner