Staying test looks ideal for Get Up N Dance

Little brother has given Get Up N Dance (Rock N Roll Heaven) a hard act to follow in the Waikouaiti Cup on Sunday (Feb. 5).

Broodmare gem Dance N Delight has already produced an impressive harness racing winner this week with the three-year-old Art Major gelding Rise Up N Dance impressing at Addington in just his second start at the races.

Big brother Get Up N Dance, by Rock N Roll Heaven, will be out to make his own mark on the Oamaru grass.

According to trainer Bob Butt, the 3000m staying test looks ideal for the pacer.

“He is fit with all the racing he has had and the 3000m should suit him down to the ground.”

“On the fields he has been racing and what he is capable of, you would have to think he would be a pretty good chance.”

Get Up N Dance brings a mixed formline to the Waikouaiti Cup, having disappointed in two starts before his good last start third at Blenheim

“He didn’t go that flash on the first day at Blenheim, but his run on the second day was super.”

“He seems to be one of those horses that it depends on what mood he is in on the day.”

The pacer will be driven by his former trainer, Nathan Williamson who goes into Sunday’s meeting on 996 driving wins in New Zealand.

Get Up N Dance shares the 25m back mark with noted grass track performer Got You Covered.

The Brent and Tim White trained pacer comes into the Waikouaiti Cup fresh up, after a last start fourth on grass in late December.

Got You Covered will be out to defend his Waikouaiti Cup crown after winning the race last year.

Trainer Bob Butt also starts Heston Hall in Sunday’s Waikouaiti Trotters Cup.

The trotter produced a handy last start third behind Zsa Zoe and Sioux Princess in his at Blenheim ahead of clashing with the pair again.

Heston Hall broke in his previous race, though that effort is best forgotten.

“I was happy with his run at Blenheim, on the first day I had to check him and it wasn’t his fault that he galloped.”

“He went good on the second day.”

“It is hard because he’s won three races and the two that beat him home have won 30 between them.”

“The 3000m should suit him on Sunday and hopefully he goes another good race.”

The concern for Heston Hall is that Sioux Princess meets him 10m better off than in their last meeting while he also meets Zsa Zoe on the same terms.

Though, the chances in a wide-open trot certainly don’t end with the trio.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand