Wyndham kicks off a big week for Hurrell

Mark Hurrell will combine with a strong book of harness racing drives at Wyndham on Sunday before linking up with one of the rising stars of the sport on New Zealand Cup Day.

The reinsman can’t wait to get up to Addington to combine with Wag Star (Sweet Lou) following his outstanding performances at the same track recently.

Hurrell looks a good hope of heading north in winning form if his drives at Wyndham stand up to their form.

Louie’s Girl (Louies Girl) was a big winner first up for the Craig Ferguson stable at Winton recently. She steps out over the same mile distance when aiming to make it two out of two this time in.

“She is a nice wee horse, and she has drawn inside the two better horses in that race,” Hurrell said.

“Hopefully, we can keep that advantage; if we can, I think she will be a good winning chance.””

Brookie’s Player (Shadow Play) looks a serious winning threat for Hurrell in race 9.

The Ross and Chris Wilson trained pacer worked hard but fought on well in his last start at Ascot Park.

“His last run was really good; he sat parked in 2.40 (for 2200m),” Hurrell said.

“Hopefully, he won’t have to do as much work again.”

“There are a couple of nice horses in that race, but he is going really well and should be a handy chance.”

Brookie’s Player’s stablemate Robyns Hustler looks a genuine threat in yet another deep Southland maiden field on Sunday.

The pacer was third in another quality lineup in his debut at Winton recently.

“It is a good maiden field with a bit of depth, but his first run at Winton was pretty good.”

“He has a good draw to work with, whereas a couple of the better chances don’t.”

“Hopefully, from there he can go a good race.”

American Mac and Falcons Watch both look like winning chances for Hurrell at Wyndham.

No Perfect Princess and Galleons Future are far from the worst chances in their assignments either.

Wag Star has again drawn a wide alley on New Zealand Cup Day, after starting from tricky draws in all three of his recent starts at Canterbury.

With plenty of tactical speed, Hurrell will have options in front of him when the gate leaves. “I am really looking forward to it; he is a lovely horse.”

“We are going into the biggest day of the year, and he is the favourite for his race.”

“It’s not the best draw, but he has shown he can come out of the gate.”

“He is a roller and he likes to be up on the pace.”

“I’d imagine Craig will want me to be pretty positive on him.”

Hurrell also combines with Willangus Lad in race 1 on New Zealand Cup Day.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand