Hurrell with good book of drives at Invercargill today

By Jonny Turner 

Mark Hurrell can eclipse his 2025 driving tally in half the time at Ascot Park on King's Birthday.

The reinsman goes into June 1 meeting on 25 wins for the year, just two shy of his total from all of last year.

Hurrell looks a realistic chance of completing the feat with his strong book of each way chances.

Getting it done would provide an extra boost for the reinsman whose great recent momentum in the south is about to come to a halt for the next fortnight due to a suspension.

"I will miss the next two Southland meetings, which isn't too bad but it is a bit niggly when I'm having a good run and getting good books of drives."

"The way I have been going I was hoping I might be able to get to 50 for the year."

"We will see how things pan out, hopefully things will be able to keep going when I get back."

Hurrell doesn't drive too many clear-cut standouts on Monday, but he links up with plenty of strong chances including Pacific Arc.

The pacer's form has come solid recently and he is chasing down a deserved win for trainer Brian Norman.

"This is the first time he has had a decent draw (2) for a long time."

"He always seems to get bad draws or have to work in his races."

"It will be interesting, he has Rakamick inside him who gets out good enough."

"He actually seems better if he isn't used up too much early, he's been building into his races lately."

"So long as he gets a decent enough run somewhere he should be a good chance."

Hurrell drives another of the Norman runners in Glendhu Mischief, later on the Ascot Park card.

"He is an honest horse and usually a good beginner."

"Hopefully we can get away and follow one of the veterans in the field and he can be thereabouts."

Kusama looks one of Hurrell's best chances on Monday.

While the mare hasn't had any luck in the recent Silk Road Series, hopes are high barrier 1 may change that.

"She's been copping tough preferential draws in those mares races and not having any luck at all."

"The last time she drew 1 she led and won quite nicely."

"I will try to be pretty positive with her and see if she can do it again."

After charging back into form in her last start, Hurrell can't see why Nutcracker can't compete again in her Ascot Park assignment.

"She looks a nice each way chance, I don't think the race is that much stronger than the one she won last time."

"She will need a genuinely run race and a bit of luck, but I think she's a nice chance again."

Hurrell will also drive Donny Do, Sweet Espresso and Lil Whip for trainer Kirstin Green.