Two live chances for the Neal stable

Local trainers Andrew and Lyn Neal head to Cambridge Raceway tonight with two live chances, each well-placed to make an impact on the card.

First up for the team is Two Francs, who lines up in Race 3, the IRT. Your Horse Our Passion Handicap Trot (6:13p.m.)

The four-year-old Majestic Son gelding has always shown ability, but it’s been a matter of getting his race-day manners in line. If he can step away cleanly tonight, co-trainer Lyn Neal believes he’ll be right in the finish.

“He’s the coolest horse but he’s just a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde on race day,” she said. “He’s getting there mentally now, and when the penny finally drops, he’s going to be a really nice horse.”

Two Francs put in a solid effort when resuming last week after a brief freshen-up, and the team is confident he can take another step forward tonight.

“He’s been a lot better this preparation. I think he’s a real good chance this week,” Lyn said. “If it was 2700m, I’d say they wouldn’t beat him, but over the 2200m we can’t afford to be too slow early.”

While longer-term plans include racing at Alexandra Park, the focus for now is firmly on building his ringcraft and confidence.

“We’re just trying to educate him at Cambridge,” Lyn explained. “I’d love to take him to Auckland where the good stakes are, but we’re just trying to make his manners a little bit better before we tackle the big stuff.”

Later in the evening, the Neals’ homebred mare Diamonds Are Forever contests Race 6, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Mobile Pace (7:32p.m.)

The five-year-old daughter of Always B Miki finds herself in a softer field than she typically faces at Auckland, and while tonight’s outing is being treated as a conditioning run, she’s not to be underestimated.

“She’s a lovely staying mare who just loves the longer distances,” said Lyn. “We haven’t been able to get a trial for her here in the Waikato, so we’re using tonight much like a trial. The race being penalty free with a junior driver on is really the only reason she’s racing at Cambridge.”

“She is ready to go though” Lyn said, “Andrew took her into the Cambridge track last Saturday and gave her a good hit out.”

With both horses primed and representing strong stable form, the Neals could be in for a rewarding night at their home track.

For complete race entries, click here.

From Harness Racing New Zealand