Big numbers and confidence around House runners at Manawatu

By Brigette Solomon 

Numerically the Michael House stable has a massive presence at Manawatu today, and junior driver Wilson House is confident they’ll get some success.

“It’s going to be a big day with 14 runners but there are a few that are well placed and have been racing well so I think we should go alright,” said House.

Of the 14 House is engaged to drive eight, whilst fellow junior driver Harrison Orange drives five for the stable.

“Of the few I’m driving I think Jaccka Baylis in the higher rated trot should be a good chance,” says House, “his last couple of starts were good and he was a bit unlucky last start not getting out until late.”

Jaccka Baylis heads into the New Track Handicap Trot today off the back of second placings at Otaki and most recently Hawera on February 2. Although he finished three lengths from race winner Conrad H, the gelding was held up around the final bend and into the home straight as the horse he was following began to tire. Upon finding clear running up the inside, Jaccka Baylis was solid in his run home making up considerable ground.

“He starts off the front and if he gets away well, I think he could be hard to beat particularly with the higher rated horses being off 20 and 30 metres,” says House, “Bevron (5) also starts in the same race off 10 metres and while he didn’t perform well at Hawera he went some great races in Westport in December and has won here before.”

In the Clearview Property Care Mobile Pace House drives Racie Dale (6) who has his first look at Manawatu Raceway.

“He went good at his last start but has galloped on the odd occasion, he’s been one that’s taking some time to get right,” says House, “If he can do things right, he’s a chance.”

Racie Dale has finished within three lengths of the winner in his last six starts despite making errors as well as running into bad luck when held up in the run home on three occasions. The gelding finished fourth at his last start Addington on February 7 just 0.9 lengths behind the winner A Girl Named Vinny.

The feature pace of the day is the Harrison’s Carpet Mobile Pace and the House Stable will be represented by The Beach House (1), The Next Best Thing (2) and Gotta Elect Bill. 

“All three have been racing well although there are some handy horses in the field,” says House “I’m driving The Beach House (1) who placed on both days at Hawera last week but has his first start on this track today.”

“The Next Best Thing and Gotta Elect Bill have both been racing consistently well over the summer and should go well again.”

In the final race of the day, the CET Mobile Pace, House partners Executive Banner (8) who is a new addition to the House Stable and has his first start on the Manawatu track.

“He’s one who will appreciate the drop in class and stepping out of the Canterbury region,” said House, “Warloch (Race 7) is another who drops into a lower grade and is such a cool old horse who loves this track and I’d definitely have him in my picks today.”

Racing gets underway today at 4.45pm.