The Gray and Black runners for Roxburgh

Joint Southland Trainers Premiership winner Brett Gray has four runners down to start at the Roxburgh harness racing meeting on Wednesday (Dec. 4).

Three year old A Major Starr (Always B Miki) is one of two for the Ryal Bush trainer in Race Three. Gray admits his form was average last season but he’s hoping for an improved run.

“He’s been very disappointing. I’ve freshened him up and I’ve been paddock training him, so we’ll see how we go,” Gray said.

The Ladybird (Art Major) is Gray’s second runner. She draws gate four and will be driven by Tristan Larsen.

“In her last three starts she hasn’t drawn that well and has been last at the quarter. It’s hard to get money from there so hopefully she can get a better trip on Wednesday.”

In Race Six McLean (Sportswriter) drops a class after running fifth to Sand Wave (Somebeachsomewhere) at Gore on Thursday.

“This will be a lot easier for him and I expect him to go a good race. He’s my best bet.”

Meohmymartini (American Ideal) gets a second line draw for Gray in Race Seven with Larsen taking the drive.

“She’s not the worst, this mare. She’s been working well and would be a good chance.”

Meanwhile Branxholme trainer Alister Black lines up first starter Lou’s Dream (Sweet Lou) and four year old Sonny Maguire (Art Major) at Roxburgh.

Lou’s Dream qualified in the middle of November at Winton and draws barrier two.

“I don’t think he’s a star at this stage. He’ll be given every opportunity to win the race and shouldn’t be a mile away,” Black said.

He’s more bullish about Sonny Maguire who has the services of last year’s Junior Driver Premiership winner Sarah O’Reilly in Race Seven.

“He’s going okay. His second, two starts back was a nice run. They ran home in 56.7 and he only got nabbed in the last 100 metres. At Gore on the grass, he copped a bad check from his stablemate. He’s got heaps of gate speed so if he can hold up early and roll along, I’ll be very surprised if they beat him.”

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink