Harrison with good each way chances at Rangiora

By Mike Love 

Junior driver Riley Harrison will be one to follow on a big day at Rangiora today.

The meeting will see the Anne Thompson Graduation series for trotters and pacers kick off, along with further heats of the Canterbury Plains Challenge Series, as well as a small yet competitive Waimakariri Businesses Rangiora Winter Cup for $25,000.

With John Dunn away down south to drive Travel Agent in the Group 1 Diamond Creek Farm/SBSR 2YO Classic at Diamonds Day in Invercargill, stable junior driver Harrison has been thrown the responsibility to drive the Robert and Jenna Dunn team at Rangiora and has half a dozen each way chances. 

Arguably, Bruntwood Brigade ($3.10FF) leads the stable's chances in the $25,000 Waimakariri Businesses Rangiora Winter Cup (HCP) Pace (3.14pm) over 2600m. 

Bruntwood Brigade has won seven of nine starts this season, a record that is as good as anything. However, the small field will make the race a tactical affair, with Harrison taking the challenge in her stride. 

“The 20 metre handicap will be hard, but he’s racing really well. I’ve driven him once and we sat parked and won, so hopefully I can keep a good record with him,” said Harrison.

“It’s a small field so it’ll be tactical. So whether I drive him for one run, or make a mid-race move, he’ll be a good each-way chance.”  

Other chances in the event include Shepherd’s Delight off the front mark, while Spirit Downunder and Iron Brigade, both starting off 10 metres, would need to be included in what is a very even affair. 

Earlier in the programme Harrison drives Johnny Trotter for the Dunn team in Race 5, the Condolences To Colin Berry’s Family Trot over 2600m.

In his first run out of maidens last week he met no peace in front, and went down a very brave second. Harrison believes with manners the four-year-old What The Hill gelding should be hard to contain. 

“He got attacked in front which made it a bit harder for him, but was still a strong second. Getting away cleanly will be the main thing, and then getting in a nice spot he should be hard to beat.”

In Race 8, the Auto Self Serve Car Wash Waimak Junction Mobile Pace (3.45pm) over 2000m, Lady Tyron ($4.80FF) will line up for just her second start after surprising some punters when winning on debut.

“I drove her in her last hit out before she won. She’s come a really long way in a short time. The second row draw won’t help, but if she can get a nice trip through she should be thereabouts as well,” said Harrison of her chances.  

Race 10, the We Remember Our ANZACs’ Mobile Pace (4.55pm) over 2000m, Wishing For U ($6.50FF) will be looking to recapture form, with a mobile being an assist.

“We got back on the fence and were a bit unlucky last time. He felt really good once we got a gap, and I think he should be a good top three chance.” 

Mighty Delight ($27.00FF) lines up for his debut in Race 6, the Wai Eyre Stud Anne Thompson Graduation Series (Heat 2) (2.36pm) Mobile Pace over 2000m with Ricky May doing the driving.

Harrison suggests the three-year-old Art Major gelding has been a work in progress.  

“His work at home has got a lot better. But he will benefit from the run.” 

Harrison’s other drives are Carrera Kahu ($51.00FF) in Race 1, the Canterbury Plains Challenge Series (Heat 6) (12.03pm) over 2000m for trainer Tim Fensom, while she also links up with the Henderson Hunter trained Country Gold ($5.50FF) in Race 4, the Barnsy’s All Trade Services Pace over 2600m (1.26pm).

“He went great last week. He normally has pretty good manners and races honestly. He should be a good chance if he gets a good trip.” 

Note: The FF (Fixed Field) odds can fluctuate so check at tab.co.nz for the latest information.