Clonakilty going for three in a row at Wyndham

By Jonny Turner

Kerryn Tomlinson heads to Wyndham today knowing her best drive has all the qualities needed to win.

Tomlinson will link up with the unbeaten Clonakilty, who will be out to make it three-from-three and pick up a penalty-free victory in the process.

The four-year-old impressed when winning his two starts at Rangiora for trainers Brent and Tim White in May.

Tomlinson combined with the pacer in a recent Ashburton trial and the feeling she got has her hopes high ahead of race 5, the Herberts Transport Handicap Pace.

“I went to the trials to get a feel for him because he hasn’t had a standing start.”

“He stepped away pretty well and hopefully he can do the same at the races.”

“They ran home in 56sec and he was doing it nice and easy.”

“He seems pretty versatile, he showed speed and stamina in his two starts and he seems pretty sensible too.”

Clonakilty faces a step up in grade to race hardy types in his bid for three-straight wins.

But the pacer’s trial form suggests he can handle it, given he has beaten horses that have won many more races than him in his two recent hit-outs.

Tomlinson hopes the horse can show his class on Thursday but knows it will depend on the first few seconds of the race.

“The most important thing is that we get away, obviously that is the main goal.”

“If he does I am sure he will go a good race.”

Night Watch looks a key threat among Tomlinson’s drives following an excellent last start effort at Winton in the Wyndham Workouts Handicap Trot.

The mare flashed home late running a good fifth behind the classy Bring On The Muscle.

As much as there are many positives to take from that run, there could be one negative.

“She went great at Winton, the only question mark is whether she can back up.”

“They ran along a bit and it was a big run.”

“If she can back up she would have to be a chance, she’s off the front and she likes it there.”

Tomlinson also links up with Shezza Vinny (Race 6) and Tabasco at Wyndham (Race 8).

Both are handy chances, but Tomlinson knows both horses need some luck on their side.

“Shezza Vinny is in a suitable race but she needs to be driven for one run.”

“So it will depend on what sort of run she gets, if doesn’t get too far back she can run in the top three.”

“Tabasco is similar, he needs the right run too but if he gets it he should go good.”

“He has been in harder races at Addington, his last run wasn’t too bad it was just a walk and sprint home.”

Tomlinson also links up with Rylan Charlie, a rough hope in race 4.