Tough handicap for Jimmy James Maguire

Jimmy James Maguire ($6.00FF) will need to overcome a tough mark in today’s (Feb. 24) Gallagher Insurance Ashburton Cup, though Swannanoa harness racing trainer Brendon Hill is happy with how the five-year-old old son of Bettors Delight has progressed since his last start victory at Methven on February 11.

“That was a great win for the owners. He has come on very good since then. I’m happy with him.

“The handicap today is a bit of a concern. 20m over 2400m around Ashburton will not be easy at all.

“I’m not saying he can’t win. If he could run top four I’d have to be happy.”

Ricky May will drive Jimmy James Maguire, the pair have combined in all six of his wins so far.

Jimmy James Maguire will continue working toward the Country Cups Championship final at Addington on May 10th.

Earlier on in the card in race 4 Hill and May will combine with maiden pacer Ultimate Seisation ($4.00FF). The three-year-old Ultimate Machete filly has pleased Hill in her short career to date.

“I said to the owners we will try something different. A different track. A trip down the road to further her career.”

Ultimate Seisation has placed in her last two starts at Addington.

“I’m really happy with her. She goes good.

“Depending on how the race pans out and how Ricky drives her, I think she can win.”

Other highlights of the day include an all women drivers event in support of the team teal campaign. Aroha Kenny ($2.10FF) and Kerryn Tomlinson team up for Oamaru trainer Phil Williamson, and they look head and shoulders above their rivals in what is otherwise a very even field.

Race one gets underway at 12:20pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand