American Eyretime breathing easier

By Jonny Turner

American Eyretime’s recent workout form suggests she could have her rivals gasping for air at Winton on Sunday.

The Brett Gray trained mare has been breathing a little easier after undergoing a wind operation after her last start in the Southland Oaks Final.

If her recent Winton workout wins are anything to go by the procedure has been a raging success.

However, the true test will come when the four-year-old is tested on race day.

“She had a wind operation and so far she has been pretty good,” Gray said.

“I have been happy with her workouts and hopefully she can bring it to the races.”

American Eyretime won both of her workouts around the same 2400m Winton circuit she races around on Sunday.

In the first, the pacer reeled off a 56sec last 800m to win in 3-01.2.

In the second American Eyretime beat one of her main rivals in Tartan Roxy in the steadier time of 3-04.5.

The Gray stable lines up a nine-strong team packed full of winning chances at Sunday’s meeting.

Peregrine is rated among the best of their hopes.

“I think she could be my best chance, she has been going really well,” Gray said.

“Drawing the second row isn’t ideal but with a bit of luck she should be right there.”

Sassy VC starts the day off for the Gray barn in race 1, also on the back of a Winton workout win.

“Her last start at Roxburgh was a little bit disappointing but she had an excuse there,” Gray said.

“She went good at the workouts, so she should be a good chance if she gets a bit of luck.”

Afterburner heads into race 7 following two eye-catching performances in his last two starts.

The four-year-old wound up late for a good second to Springbank Mason at Winton two starts ago before making up ground stylishly after a slow beginning in his last start at Ascot Park.

“He has been going great, he is pretty good behind the mobile, so he has got to be a good chance,” Gray said.

Gray has three runners in race 6 in Bettors Highlight, Cassius Bromac and Stratofortress.

And the trainer can not split them.

“They are all about on about the same level, it will just be down to who gets the right run.”

“I was very happy with Cassius Bromac last time when he ran fourth at Invercargill.”

“Bettor’s Highlight is improving with every run, she had a year off, she is only a wee thing but she is coming to it.”

“And Stratofortress is not the worst, either.”

Honour Before Glory (race 2) and The Mighty Mondo (race 10) looks two of the Gray stable’s outside chances at Sunday’s meeting.