Thornley a chance to take lead in junior drivers’ premiership

Sam Thornley has a great chance to overtake Carter Dalgety in the harness racing junior drivers premiership at Addington on Sunday.

With Dalgety leading the premiership on 38 wins on an overseas venture in the United States, Thornley who is sitting on 37 wins has a good opportunity today with five each way chances.

“It’s not really on my mind much. It’s still a long way until the end of the season, so we will see what happens,” said Thornley.

“It’s definitely a goal to do a little bit better than last year.”

Thornley is only ten wins away currently from his season personal best of 47.

In race 1,the Come Race With Us ‘3 Codes Syndication’ Mobile Pace, Thornley will combine with the Peter and Mitchell Robertson trained Fear Gogh. Drawn barrier one, the-three-year old Vincent filly looks set to get a soft run behind the well drawn favoured runners Huzuni ($2.70FF) and Woodlea Diamond ($2.20FF).

“She’s gone some good races. But also a few disappointing races. I think they are confident with it. It’s got spreaders on this week so with a nice draw hopefully we can get some of it.”

In race 2 the Thanks To Vets, Farrier & Staff At Overport Lodge Pace, Thornley links up with his employee Ken Barron’s runner Kalatra ($9.50FF). The four-year-old daughter of Bettors Delight draws one the second line which may (or may not) work out.

“It can get a bit keen. But if things went its way it has the ability to do well. It had a few problems toward the end of its last campaign, but now with a freshen up hopefully that has helped. ”

The race is headlined by short priced favourite Moet Shard ($1.80FF) for trainer Jeff Whittaker and will go around the shortest favourite of the day.

Race 4, the Mark Jones Thanks His Owners For Their Support Pace, Foveaux Gambler ($19.00FF) at nice odds gives Thornley a chance in what is an open affair for the junior drivers’ race. The five-year-old Betting Line gelding will have his 89th start today, chasing victory number nine.

“He likes to sit on the fence and not do much which he will get a chance to do. It’s not a strong field but it is an even field. If we step okay and be handy we should have a good chance.”

Thornley says his best drive of the day is Icee Styxie ($5.50FF) in race 5, the Krystal Williams Racing Mobile Pace. The Trent Yesberg trained Bettor’s Delight mare can operate in a fresh state, placing in the past. A recent second at an Ashburton trial suggests a forward showing.

“The draw should be okay. It will be a chance. It’s been running well at the trials, which I’ve been driving in, so I’m expecting a good run.”

“She’s my best chance of the day.”

Steering correctly may be the key for Wolf Of Wall Street ($7.50FF) in the final race of the day, the Thanks To The People That Keep Our Stables Going mobile pace over 1980m.

“It’s been going good in good races but hasn’t been steering too well on the bends. There’s been a few gear changes so hopefully they’ve done the job. We will still need a bit of luck!”

Thornley has driven 135 winners and won almost $1.6 million in stakes.

Racing commences from 12:59pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand