Gregory keen to keep momentum going at Cambridge tonight

By Jordyn Bublitz 

A fresh face in the northern junior ranks, Ollie Gregory is quietly building confidence with each race day outing and tonight’s Cambridge meeting presents another opportunity with a pair of drives for his employers Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett.

“It’s a lot different than I thought it would be, but I love it!” Gregory said.

Like most juniors early in their careers, confidence and decision-making have been key focus areas.

When asked about his biggest lesson so far?

“To not second guess myself!” he said 

Gregory’s first assignment for the evening comes up in Race 2 with Tinkerbelle in the Hire A Venue at Cambridge Raceway Handicap Trot, where she has drawn the front line over 2700 metres.

While her recent form doesn’t jump off the page, there’s quiet confidence she can measure up, provided she begins cleanly.

“If she steps she shouldn’t be too far away, she didn’t step at Ruakaka last start, but in her defence I had her a bit flat-footed.”

Tinkerbelle gave Gregory his first, and so far only, driving success when she won at Cambridge on March 19. 

Later in the night, Gregory links with Kamilla in Race 7, the Daily Double Coffee Shop Trot, a mare with a bit more personal significance.

Purchased out of the South Island, Kamilla has been something of a project horse for the young driver, with family ties adding to the story.

“Mum and Dad own half of her. We bought her so I could have a horse to drive each week. I’ve done most of the work with her since she came up.

“It’s all been pretty smooth sailing with her, she’s a typical mare but I can’t complain too much.

“Her last start at Ruakaka was my fault, and last week I was really happy with her. It’s a massive drop back in company tonight so I’m hoping she’ll go close!”

Despite that optimism, Gregory rates his earlier drive as his best chance, with a small caveat.

“If Tinkerbelle steps I’d say she’s my best hope for the night, but that’s if her manners and my hands play ball!”

With a clear target driving him forward, Gregory knows what success looks like in his first full season.

“If I could get 15 winners so I can drive on premier nights, that would be awesome!”