Hurrell and Hazel key combo at Ascot Park

By Jonny Turner

Abacardi Hazel heads a strong book of drives Mark Hurrell has at Ascot Park on Saturday.

The leading Southland junior driver links up with several strong winning hopes including Abacardi Hazel who has been runner-up in her last two outings.

The Murray Brown trained mares steps out on her home track after good recent efforts on grass in Canterbury and she looks primed for on a deserved victory.

“She looks like a really good chance,” Hurrell said.

“She has been going good races in Canterbury and on that form you would think she would be hard to beat.”

Hurrell also links up with Not Before Time in race 3.

The pacer brings solid workout form to his debut for trainer Michele Horton.

“He is probably coming in at the right time of the year, it is probably an even sort of field.”

“His last workout win was pretty good so hopefully he can go a handy race.”

Hurrell again reunites with Sagwitch in race 7.

The veteran pacer ran a tidy third at Ascot Park last weekend for trainer Wayne Breen.

Sagwitch will be posted out in barrier 8, but it may not be a big factor.

“There is only one way to drive him really, so the draw hopefully won’t be too bad for him.”

“He rolled forward last week and he fought on pretty well for third, he didn’t give it away.”

“Hopefully he can go good again.”

Hurrell jumps behind Winning Bones in race 8 for trainer Matthew Williamson.

Taking on a tidy field, the trotter will need to bring his best effort.

“If he went as good as when he ran second at Wyndham a few starts ago he would be a chance.”

“But he sometimes goes through the motions a bit.”

“If he is on his game, he could go a good race.”

American Mac looks the outside hope among Hurrell’s book of drives on Saturday.

Harness racing fans have the chance to win one of 15 $50 meal vouchers at the Invercargill HRC’s ILT Race Day.

Punters can place their losing tickets in the barrels around the course to go in the chance to win a voucher to be used at the ILT’s range of Invercargill restaurants.

The Invercargill club is welcoming all ladies on course with a free glass of wine, in a promotion aimed to encourage those not out on the opening weekend of Duck Shooting to come along and enjoy a day out at the races.