Ardens out to cap big week

By Jonny Turner

Arden’s Reality and Arden’s Delight could cap an epic week for the Arden breed at Addington on Friday night.

The Grant Payne trained duo have a hard act to follow after the John and Judy Stiven bred South Coast Arden bolted in in the fastest time at the IRT Harness Jewels at Cambridge on Sunday.

Arden’s Delight has clinched the best draw among the Ardens, starting from barrier 3 in race 5.

With two runs under her belt following a spell, including a tidy last start third at Addington, the three-year-old is set to line up at her peak when she takes on fillies and mares over 1980m.

“She raced good last time and she has trained on good, too,” Payne said.

“She seems really well.”

Tim Williams takes the reins behind Arden’s Delight from her sweet draw.

Williams won’t drive Arden’s Reality, but he could provide the winning touch with the four-year-old.

The reinsman has recommended a gear change, which Payne has made ahead of Ellie Barron driving the four-year-old in Friday night’s junior driver’s event.

“He has trained on really well, too,” Payne said.

“I have changed a bit of year with him, Tim told me to put some pull-down blinds on him, which I have.”

“And I expect he will go a good race too.”

Arden’s Reality starts from a tricky spot on the outside of the front line in his 2600m assignment.

Payne also starts Rollyourown in race 2, with Williams to drive the three-year-old in his fresh up assignment.

The pacer has also been stuck with a tricky draw, on the outside of the second row.

“I thought before the draws come out I had three really good winning chances, but the draws will make it harder for a couple of them,” Payne said.

Rollyourown showed promise early this season before going to the spelling paddock.

The three-year-old has looked to have come up well having won a workout and a trial ahead of Friday night’s 1980m assignment.

“He has had a wind-op and I am really happy with the way he has come up,” Payne said.

“The draw is a bit cruel but we will just play it by ear.”

“But I am delighted with the way he has come up.”

Tim Williams also drives Rollyourown.