Who’s Tougher? – Sibling showdown at Addington

Whether it’s the battle of the sexes or the great sibling harness racing showdown, there will be a race within a race at Addington on Friday night.

Canterbury trainer Brad Mowbray will line up his two best horses against each other, with She’s Tough and He’s Tough both confirmed starters in Race 9, the wwww.theurb.co.nz – The Ultimate Racebook Pace (8.53pm).

Mowbray reckons it’s the first time the pair have gone head-to-head. She’s Tough is a six-year-old mare with five wins from 36 starts while five-year-old He’s Tough has won four from 25.

“It wasn’t my decision really – She’s Tough loves the grass but there wasn’t a suitable race at Rangiora (on Saturday).”

So he opted for Addington the night before.

She’s Tough (R57) will be driven by Matty Williamson, He’s Tough (R52) by Robbie Close.

Both are by He’s Watching out of Cullen’s Mercy and bred by Raymond Reekie.

“They are very different. She’s a lovely mare who’s eager to please … he’s more highly strung and immature which can be to his detriment.”

“They work together a lot.”

Which means Mowbray in the perfect position to assess their chances and with She’s Tough being the higher rated horse and drawing better at 2 (with He’s Tough at 11) he’s definitely going for the big sister over the little brother.

“She’s probably the better performed and probably a shade quicker off a stand too and hopefully she’ll get into a handy spot early on.”

Ajira (1), All By Myself (3), Katherine (4) and The Coalman (6) are among the other chances.

Mowbray (on the right) is also planning to head along to the NZB Standardbred National Yearling sales in Christchurch. They get underway on Sunday in Auckland before heading south for three days, starting Monday February 20.

Mowbray has upwards of 20 potentials on his list.

“If I come home with a couple I’d be happy.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Dave Di Somma, for Harness Racing New Zealand