Whites go wide this weekend to the Met and Oamaru (audio preview)

Ashburton harness racing training partnership of Brent and Tim White spread their wings this weekend with a strong team of five runners at Addington on Friday and three starters at Oamaru on Sunday.

New stable recruit Commander Ben (Art Major) takes his place in Race One at Addington on Friday night. Until recently he’s been trained by Kevin Fairbairn. The three year old last raced in June and has been to the trials at Methven earlier this month.

Three year old Bluto (Sweet Lou) ran on late at his last start at Addington. He draws four in the Listed Woodlands Stud Sires Stakes ‘Harness 7000’ (R4) on Friday night.

In the mare’s sprint over 1980 metres (R6) Brent and Tim line up Better’s Tart (Bettor’s Delight). Last week was her first run back since racing in the Country Championship Final in May and she’s expected to have improved from her last outing.

Sassy Star (Majestic Son) gets the assistance of the mobile in Race Eight. She can be a bit in and out from the stand so the moving start will help her chances.

In Race Nine last start winner Lone Wolf (Sweet Lou) draws two in a small but classy field of pacers.

The Whites head down the road to Oamaru on Sunday for Hannon Memorial Day.

In Race One three year old filly Betsy Lou (Sweet Lou) debuts. She’s had three trials and will be driven by Kimberly Butt.

In the Diamond Creek Farm Oamaru Juvenile Stakes (R5) Brent and Tim line up Sapling Stakes winner Shards Matrix (Sweet Lou). He came home well at his last start at Addington getting within five lengths of the unbeaten Vessem (Vincent).

Got You Covered (Art Major) takes his place in the G3 Placemakers Hannon Memorial. He ran home solidly in the New Brighton Cup and has a great record at the distance and from the standing start.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink