Change of scene for Plutonium Lady

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

Top racemare Plutonium Lady will debut for new trainer Jeremy Young at Alexandra Park on Friday night.

But just how long he’ll be involved with the Bettor’s Delight four-year-old is unknown.

“It’s a bit race by race, the owners were keen for her to stay up here and we’ll see how she goes,” says Young.

Plutonium Lady has been based at his Pukekohe barn before and was there in the build-up to the IRT Harness Jewels at Cambridge on June 6 when she finished second in the Woodlands Stud 4YO Diamond to Need You Now.

Till now Mark Jones has been the horse’s trainer for all 39 of her starts.

“He said seeing as she’s up here she might as well go under my name so that’s what we have done,” says Young.

Regular driver Sam Ottley will again partner Plutonium Lady in Friday’s Sims Pacific Metals – Money for Metal Handicap Pace over 2200m, where she’ll start off 20 metres. She has a good record at Alexandra Park - from five starts she has won two Listed races there and placed second in the 2020 Northern Oaks behind Amazing Dream.

Of more concern to Young is the sheer amount of racing she has had of late.

“She’s done a great job and been racing since Cup week, so if she goes well we’ll carry on. Otherwise she’ll head off for a spell.”

The stats back up Young’s thoughts with Plutonium Lady having six wins from 23 starts this season, earning over $100,000.

Plutonium Lady will be one of two runners in Young’s colours on Friday night with John Wayne in Race 2, the Noel Taylor NZ Trotting Hall Of Fame Mobile Pace.

A one race winner from nine starts, the three-year-old has got a second row draw against a field that includes three last start winners, including Manhattan who has changed trainers from Bob Butt to Joshua Dickie.

“I know he’s drawn 13 but he’s been working well and is an each way chance,” says Young.