Smart youngsters resume for Jones

A lack of recent racing is the only concern Mark Jones has as two of his smart harness racing three-year-olds resume at Addington on Friday night (Aug. 19).

Monaco Grace (Bettor’s Delight) and Hot To Trot (Creatine) will return to racing for the Burnham trainer when they start alongside Eyre I Will (What The Hill) , Major Memphis (Art Major) and Sioux Princess (Majestic Son).

Hot To Trot steps out for the first time since his third in Highgrove’s Group One Northern Trotting Derby when clashing with Sioux Princess.

The three-year-old certainly has the class to win race 9 but Jones thinks his lack of recent racing could count against him when he takes on hardy opposition.

And that’s why the trainer rates Sioux Princess his slightly better win chance.

“He is definitely forward enough to be there, but it is a starting point for him and he will improve with racing.”

“We wouldn’t take him there if we didn’t think he would be competitive and he should get the right run from the draw.”

“But I think on race fitness Sioux Princess might be the better winning chance.”

“With the small field and the mobile she has probably got a few favours this week.”

“I would probably lean towards her on the race fitness edge.”

Monaco Grace starts for the first time since her win in the Sires Stakes Magnifique at Alexandra Park in May when returning in race 7.

The filly is in a similar position to Hot To Trot in that she brings class to her race but she also gives away a race fitness edge, starting fresh up.

“She seems to have come back really well – she has improved with her break.”

“Probably the hardest thing for her is having to race horses that have won nine races when she has just won the one.”

“In saying that she should be handy from the draw and be a place chance.”

Jones starts another up and comer in the two-year-old Eyre I Come in race 1 on Friday night.

The trotter looks a big winning threat from barrier 2.

“He is still learning, but he is getting experienced for the sales race (Harness Million) coming up.”

“He should get a nice run from the draw and if he trots all of the way he should get his chance.”

Though he won his last start, Major Memphis looks the roughie of the Jones team given he must overcome drawing barrier 7 in race 2.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand