Young confident with his team tonight

Pukekohe based harness racing trainer Jeremy Young has just two horses entered at Thursday’s ANZAC day meeting, but he is confident both are capable of strong performances.

“Both horses are well placed,” says Young, “they’ve both been working well and I’m pretty happy with both of them.”

Young’s first runner for the night is Gladys Greenland who takes part in Race three, the Watchu Security Mobile Pace for Junior Drivers. The four-year-old mare by Downbytheseaside, starts fresh up from a spell over 1700 metres with Monika Ranger engaged to drive.

“This race was a good starting point for her with the drawcard being it’s penalty free if she happens to win,” says Young, “she’s drawn well (2) and gets off the gate well, so we’ll be looking to go forward and remain out in front.”

“Although she missed a trial on Saturday due to the heavy rain, she’s very forward in her work and over the 1700 metre trip I don’t think it should be a problem.”

Only lightly raced, Gladys Greenland scored her maiden victory over a mile at Alexandra Park’s sprint night back on November 10 in a time of 1.55-4. She has placed on a further four occasions from just six starts.

Young’s other runner is Mantra who starts in Race five, the MacMillan Equine Feeds Mobile Pace over 2200 metres. Driven tonight by Maurice McKendry (MNZM), the three year old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding starts from three on the second line in a full field.

“Unfortunately, his draw is a bit tougher but with some luck he can still be thereabouts,” says Young, “that being said, his work has been good and he’s well placed.”

His most recent run at Alexandra Park on April 19 saw him three back on the pegs in running before coming out three wide on the home bend to run on nicely into fourth place with the race taken out by Iron Brigade. Mantra has had three starts to date and was a winner on debut at big odds at Alexandra Park on March 15.

Young and McKendry have been a successful combination in recent times with the pair combining to win the Group 1 Woodlands Stud Queen of Hearts with Young’s stable star Lady Of The Light in December.

“She’s had a good spell and will be returning to work in a week or so,” says Young.

“It’s a long way out yet but the big picture would see her targeting a New Zealand Cup campaign provided she’ll manage standing starts and there are also some mares’ races here and in Australia that could be an option down the track.”

The Anzac Day Race meeting kicks off with Race one at 5:19pm.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Brigette Solomon, for Harness Racing New Zealand