Ferguson with excellent chances at Winton today

By Jonny Turner 

Forgive Craig Ferguson if he’s not shaking in his boots at Winton on Thursday.

The reinsman links up with the two hottest favourites on the Wairio Trotting Club card in Imperious Girl and Ideal Crown.

But as the regular driver of Marketplace, it is hardly new territory.

Imperious Girl will debut in Ferguson’s colours after several strong efforts at the trials recently. She's currently a $1.50 hot favourite in Race 1, Tinkertown Trot (12.29pm).

The filly’s ability to handle her first trip to the races is the trainer-driver’s biggest concern, but it is hardly a huge worry.

“Of the maiden trotters I have had, she is one of the most sensible ones,” Ferguson said.

“All of her trials since I have had her have been at Wyndham, so this will be her first wee trip away for me, but I think she can handle it.”

“On her ability, I do like her and I think she should be hard to beat if she can bring her manners.”

Ferguson will again link up with Ideal Crown ($1.35), who looks thrown into her rating 35-38 contest at Winton, Race 3 - the Nightcaps Contracting Mobile Pace (1.28pm).

The filly chased home Havtimewillfly when she smashed the all-comers 1700m track record at Ascot Park in a heat of the Southern Oaks.

“She should be winning that if she’s on her game, especially from the good draw (4).”

“Last start didn’t go to plan, but her run in the Oaks heat before that was good.”

“She’s a nice filly and she should be very hard to beat with even luck.”

Ferguson also links up with Ideal Crown’s stablemate Father Ned, who steps out in the Tony Stevens Memorial (2.40pm).

Stevens’ estate is part of the trotter’s ownership, and Ferguson will be wearing the late owner-trainer’s colours.

“He got it wrong last start, but he was pretty solid winning his start before.”

“It is a pretty even field, and if he can bring his manners he would be a good each-way chance.”

Ferguson also starts Nek Delight from his stable on Thursday.

Mark Hurrell takes the reins behind the mare, who made an uncharacteristic early error at Ascot Park in her last start.

“A middle hopple carrier broke last start, but she ran quite well afterwards.”

“She’s been working well, she’s a top four chance.”

After Thursday’s meeting, Ferguson will head to Addington on Friday night with Picasso.

The pacer was a big winner on his debut at Wyndham recently.