Stevenson with three each-way chances at Timaru today

By Mike Love 

Ashburton trainer Wendy Stevenson takes three good each-way chances to Phar Lap Raceway in Timaru for their summer twilight meeting this afternoon.

In Race 1, the Brosnan Transport Passing Lane Mobile Pace over 2050 metres Gotta Lather Up ($10.00FF) will be looking for a more economical run after having a couple of torrid trips since breaking maiden status at Oamaru three starts ago. 

“We were pleased with him at Motukarara after drawing 16. Even though he only ran seventh he just couldn’t get in, and he’s still pretty green,” said Stevenson.

Today’s field of just seven runners should help Gotta Lather Up regain a bit of confidence. 

“The small field will be nice for him. He’s a bit of a goof and has some maturing to do. He’s got a lot of speed and he’s a nice horse with plenty of ability.”

The Lather Up four-year-old has won once from five starts. 

Race 4, the South Canterbury Hydraulics Ltd Mobile Pace over 2050 metres will see Hughes To Me ($7.50FF) give Stevenson her second chance of the day. The 24-start maiden has been racing in great form this campaign - placing in three of his four outings. 

“I was hoping for a better draw,” said Stevenson.

Hughes To Me has drawn the outside of the front line which will be a tough ask, but is racing in terrific form. 

“He’s better suited to the stand, but he will pick one up - he’s really come solid this time in.”

The last of Stevenson’s chances comes when Not Over ($6.00FF) lines up in Race 5, the Think Water Timaru Handicap Pace over 2600 metres. The 10-year-old Changeover gelding will be having his 110th start today but Stevenson suggests Not Over is none the wiser. 

“He thinks he’s a young lad. He’s a super horse. The stand suits him. He runs well on the track. He could be a sneaky one.”

Stevenson suggested that Not Over may be her best chance on the day, but Gotta Lather Up is the one to follow. 

“Not Over would probably be my best chance of the day, but Gotta Lather Up has the most ability going forward.”

Robbie Close will take the drive on all three runners in what is a busy day for the Canterbury reinsman with seven drives in total - the most favoured being Hugo ($3.70FF) in Race 3, the Southwest Refrigeration Mobile Pace over 2050 metres for trainer John McDermott.