Confessional leads Nairn’s trio In Banks Peninsula Cup

By Mike Love

Leeston trainer Paul Nairn thinks Confessional ($4.20FF) is his best chance of three in today’s Group 3 Tactical Approach D G Jones Banks Peninsula Cup over 2810m.

“He seems good and has been working well. He’s been racing well in strong company lately,” said Nairn of Confessional.

The four-year-old Father Patrick gelding is chasing his sixth career win at only his 21st start, with Nairn in the sulky.

“I’m hopeful of a good run. He seems to like the grass. He’s definitely the best chance of the three.”

Nairn also lines up El Conqueror ($19.00FF) and Masterly ($12.00FF) in the event, with the latter racing on his favoured surface with four of his five career wins coming on the grass.

“He hasn’t been just as good as I’d like, but I just reshod him and he’s trotting a bit better now. He does like the grass.”

Masterly will be driven by Sheree Tomlinson.

Meanwhile Nairn’s other runner El Conqueror faces a tougher task being fresh up since May with no trials or workouts leading in.

“If he just went a good race I’d be happy. He’s first up in pretty strong company. If he can get a nice soft trip hopefully he can be in the first half dozen.”

Colin DeFilippi takes the drive.

Nairn will also line up Wypout ($12.00FF) in race 1, the Jean Anderson Memorial trot over the 2180m.

The three-year-old Father Patrick filly has placed three times from six starts while she chases her maiden victory.

“She’s a horse that doesn’t take a lot of work. All of her starts this time in have been pretty good. Going from the second line won’t help so she will need luck.”

Stacey Whatuira will drive.

Racing begins this morning from 11:47am.