Sly Tricks wins at start 85

“He’s improved this year and I guess it’s his turn,” was harness racing trainer Paul Andrews comment after eighty four start maiden Sly Tricks (Smiling Shard) won his first race at Ascot Park Invercargill today (Jun. 17).

Andrews said he hadn’t been confident for today as he felt the race had a bit of depth.

“Hunting Weight (Stunin Cullen) and Chemmy (Auckland Reactor) had been going well. I would have been happy if he was just running on.”

He felt the early speed duel between Chemmy and Mataura BB (Rock N Roll Dance) helped his horse who’s a good stayer.

Driver Rory McIIwrick slotted Sly Tricks into the one one, got a beautiful cart into the race on the back of Hunting Weight and let down nicely for an easy two length win.

“Rory kept the plugs in and said the horse was going too well.”

Commentator Justin Evans summed it up nicely when he said, “It’s your day today Sly Tricks, well done.”

SLY TRICKS REPLAY

Andrews hasn’t trained many young horses and most of his team have had plenty of miles before he takes them on.

“I like a project and a challenge. I might have a go at training younger horses when I retire.”

Today was Andrews fourth winner. His others have been Tad Lincoln (Sir Lincoln) twice and The Power Broker (The Pres).

“I do enjoy it but it’s tough going especially in the winter. It fits in around my job at the Aluminium Smelter where I do two days and two nights. They’re twelve hour days and in my spare time I do these guys. I’ve been at Tiwai close to twenty years.”

Sly Tricks was bred by Alan and Gail Paisley and started his career there before heading to Adrian Wohlers where he had twenty six starts. Today was his fifty seventh start for Andrews who shares in the ownership of the gelding with Lou Mann.

“He’s got forty acres at Rimu which doesn’t have a track, so I just work the horses in the paddock. It’s a lot easier on their legs. On the wet days I might shoot into town for a burst. Lou would have been chuffed today with the win. It would have got the blood flowing.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink