White’s looking for Country Cups win

Ashburton harness racing trainers Brent and Tim White have two strong candidates in Sunday’s (Apr. 23) $40,000 Regent Car Court Southern Country Cups Final on Diamonds Day at Ascot Park.

Got You Covered (Art Major) and Better’s Tart (Bettor’s Delight) have been racing against better company than they’ll face on Sunday, and they seem to be well placed in the handicaps (20 metres) for the 2700 metre trip.

Got You Covered’s last two starts have been in group company and Brent White says he’s happy with the horse heading into Sunday’s race.

“He sat outside the leader the other day which is not his go. With a little bit of luck in the running he’s an each way chance,” he said.

Better’s Tart also sat parked at her last start at Addington at the end of March. She’s been given a quiet trial since.

“She was meant to be down last week for the Southern Belle Final but her bloods showed she was dehydrated so we pulled the pin. I was really happy with her trial and her work this morning (Tuesday) was great. She’s back in the zone and I expect her to go a real bold race as well.”

The stable also has Commander Joe (Art Major) running in the Diamond Creek Farm Two Year Old Classic. He’s been to two trials this month winning the first by two and a half lengths before running second ten days later.

“Every trial has been good, and he’s hit the line with purpose. This is his first trip away and race start, but I expect him to go a bold race and whatever he does he’ll improve on.”

The Southern Cups Final has drawn an even field with favouritism expected to be shared between last start winner Franco Norton (A Rocknroll Dance) and the talented John Hay trained pacer Wheels Of Fortune.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink