Hamilton barn hoping winning run continues

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Graeme Rogerson and Dylan Ferguson are hoping they can continue their winning momentum into Alexandra Park tonight.

The Hamilton trainers started the week off well when winning with Ahwel in the Barrett Homes – Montiicola Show Home Trot (2200m) at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday night.

“It was good to get a win with him. He has been Mr Consistent, and he deserved one,” Ferguson said.

They will head north to Auckland tonight where they will line-up a handful of runners, including Wicked Wanda and Seaclusion in the Gr.1 2023 Pascoes The Jewellers Northern Oaks (2700m).

The pair have a daunting task ahead of them in the form of undefeated filly Millwood Nike, but Ferguson is pleased with both fillies who have placed behind the Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained runner in their last few starts.

“Even though we are coming up against a champion, you have got to be in to win, and at the end of the day it is racing,” Ferguson said.

“If we can fill in a couple of the placings behind Millwood Nike, we are going to be stoked.

“The draw really hurt Wicked Wanda (7), but if she settles well and gets a bit of cover, she has got enough ability to fill one of those placings.

“I don’t think there is a lot between them and with the draw you have got to put Seaclusion (9) as our best chance of picking up the highest placing. She is not going to have to do any work and can sit on the fence.”

The stable also has a couple of good chances on the undercard with trotters Lovemeto and Shez Bella, who will contest the Lone Star Alexandra Park Trot (2200m) and IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. Handicap Trot (2200m) respectively.

“They have both got plenty of ability, but they have got bigger fish to fry later on in the season,” Ferguson said.

“They are both pretty inexperienced. Lovemeto has never been to Alexandra Park before and that is a bit of a worry with him, and Shez Bella has never had a stand before.

“They have both got hurdles to overcome, but they have got enough ability to put in a good account of themselves if they put their best foot forward.”