News

by Bridget Solomon

The North Island welcomes in the New Year with grass track racing at Tauherenikau Racecourse tomorrow featuring the Connie Stewart NZSIR Wairarapa Cup Handicap Pace.

Tim Williams hopes he can be on the right side of the battle of tactics set to play out in the Group Three Central Otago Cup at Omakau on Tuesday.

Ben Hope joins the open driver ranks from today and will be looking to begin that part of his career well with a decent book of drives at Rangiora.

Don’t Stop Dreaming may have sealed his open class credentials at Alexandra Park on Sunday night but that doesn’t mean he will become a big-time regular just yet.

Woodend beach trainers Greg and Nina Hope created history yesterday when Homebush Lad won the Rosco Contractors Reefton Cup. He is the first horse to have won 3 consecutive Reefton cups.

Champion trainer Mark Purdon is adamant Don’t Stop Dreaming is ready to step up to the big time at Alexandra Park tonight but whether than means beating stablemate Akuta is another matter.

The slushy track was no problem for Sharkie’s Girl with her dominant win last night in Race 3, the Happy New Year From Woodlands Stud Mobile Pace.

Class prevailed when Alta Meteor bounced back to winning form in the Motukarara Christmas Cup on Friday.

They are always the colours to follow over the West Coast circuit, and today at Reefton punters can find some value in the Woodend Beach trainers Greg and Nina Hope team as they line up six solid chances.