Can history be repeated at Rangiora today?

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk
 
Prebbleton trainer John McDermott has the chance to secure a rare quinella at Rangiora this afternoon.

The last time he produced one was at Addington on December 12, 2013 with Supreme Gem and Flyover.

Now 11 years on he has the chance to repeat the feat when two of their daughters in Ruby's A Delight (Bettor's Delight - Supreme Gem) and Flyaway (Art Major - Flyover) line up in the Remembering Welfare Woman (Mares) Mobile Pace at 5.29pm.

"It's been a long time since the last one (quinella)," says McDermott, "that would be nice, specially with the connection with the two mothers."

Both have winning credentials in what is just a seven horse R35-40 race. Flyaway is a $3 favourite, with Ruby's A Delight at $3.50. 

"Both are racing well, for Ruby's A Delight it's her favourite course, and Flyaway is dropping back in class."

The last starts for both were at Ashburton last Thursday where Ruby's A Delight finished fifth in a R40-43 and Flyaway was eighth in a R44-50.

Seven-year-old mare Ruby's A Delight has had four wins and three placings from 13 starts at Rangiora while Flyaway has had one win and a placing from just four starts there.

"Ruby's racing in foal - she's in foal to Downbytheseaside and will race through to February before she's retired," says McDermott.

"Flyaway's very genuine and a half sister to Jeremiah who finished fourth in Friday's slot race (THE VELOCITY at Addington Raceway)."

McDermott bred Jeremiah (Lazarus - Flyover) before selling him for $80,000 at the 2022 National Yearling Sales.

McDermott will have one other starter on the day with Topaz, another of Supreme Gem's progeny. She's at $7.50 in Race 5, the Remembering Raglan Pace. 

"She was late scratched from her last start at Methven with a deep-seated corn. She's recovered but has missed a bit of work so will improve with the run."

All three will line up again on the grass at Motukarara on Sunday.

"With all three of them having runs so close together won't worry them one little bit."

So far McDermott's had 11 wins in 2024, just two away from the personal best he set last year.