Tough test for Pinseeker today

Pinseeker (Downbytheseaside) goes into his toughest career test in the Fruit Bowl Handicap at Cromwell on Sunday as ready as he can be.

The four-year-old returns to harness racing after creating a big impression in his three starts late last year for trainer-driver Jonny Cox.

Pinseeker will step up to race hardy opposition in the pacing feature on the second day of Cromwell’s big two-day February meeting.

Cox thinks he has the pacer as ready as he can be for his returning assignment.

“We think he is a pretty handy horse and in the right grade,” the trainer-driver said.

“While he isn’t any sort of certainty, if he can step and do things right they will know he is there.”

Pinseeker warmed up for his Cromwell trip with a strong trial win on grass at Methven recently.

“We gave him a freshen up and earmarked this race for him.”

“We brought him down to Cromwell on Thursday and he has settled in well.”

“The trial was good, without being disrespectful it probably wasn’t a strong field but he did run a pretty good last 400m.”

Pinseeker is two-from-two on grass tracks and two-from-two in standing start races heading into Sunday’s feature.

While the horse is a safe beginner, he is yet to show he is a standing start flyer.

“He has been safely away in his two starts, but he hasn’t been fast out.”

“That probably isn’t ideal, but hopefully he can get away safely again and he can settle handy enough to them.”

Pinseeker opened the $4 favourite for the Fruit Bowl Handicap before he was quickly backed into $2.70 odds.

Cox’s fiancé Kimberly Butt drives one of the main threats to Pinseeker in the third favourite Lester ($6).

The pacer led and fought on gamely behind Jordy at Cromwell on Friday.

Done Rockn looks another big chance following his eye-catching third in the same race.

Handicaps are set to play a crucial role in the feature trot at Cromwell on Sunday.

Maui was a powerful winner of the corresponding race at the same track on Friday.

The trotter overcame a 20m handicap with the help of a brilliant beginning to beat race rivals Pyramid Mystic and Sally Lindenny.

The pair both meet Maui 10m better off when he goes back to a 30m handicap on Sunday.

One Two Menny missed Friday’s trot but comes into Sunday’s second day after producing a powerful win in his last start on the Cromwell track in January.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand