Jones pair to tackle Rangiora Summer Cup

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Derek Jones is set to have a two-pronged attack in the New World Rangiora Summer Cup (2600m) today, after a major change in the weather in Canterbury over the past day or so.

Both Lulu Le Mans and Kiss The Girls are entered for Rangiora’s feature this afternoon, though Jones was going to withdraw the former after the heavy downpour the area has experienced this week.

"She just doesn’t cop a wet track at all. It is going to have to be a lot drier to start her,” Jones said.

The track is currently rated slow, with a high of 26 forecast for North Canterbury today.

Both Jones' horses are rated as $11 chances in what is an open field, with Riveered the favourite at $5.50.

Lulu Le Mans, a four-year-old mare, has won her last two races, including a sentimental last start victory in the Akaroa Cup (2810m) earlier this month.

“That was fantastic, the commentator made mention of my father, who died on the Tuesday before the race, so it was very special,” Jones said.

“I am very excited with the way she is going, it has been great.”

With the broodmare paddock beckoning the daughter of Bettor’s Delight, Jones is keen to get a couple of more wins on the board before the curtain comes down on her racing career.

“She will probably head to the Motukarara Summer Cup on the 29th (of December),” Jones said.

“There is also a lovely fillies race down south for her. She is in-foal so I might send her down to Mark Jones, he has a base down there, and she can race down there for two or three weeks and that will be about it.

She is in-foal to Always B Miki. He is a very exciting stallion and he has got a bit of size about him, she is only tiny so we are hoping we can get something a bit bigger.”

Jones said his other runner in the Rangiora Summer Cup, Kiss The Girls, is also in good form.

“He locked wheels in the Green Mile,” Jones said. “He was going quite good, he wouldn’t have won it, but he might have been third or fourth had he not locked wheels with Mark Purdon’s horse.

“I am happy with him. He is quite good and if it is not too wet I think he will cop the track fine and I think he will go well.”

While pleased with the way his racing team is going, Jones is currently enjoying preparing a yearling for New Zealand Bloodstock Standardbred’s National Yearling Sale in February.

Jones will offer lot 287, the Bettor’s Delight colt out of Group One winner Elusive Chick. He is a full-brother to Lulu Le Mans and Jones said it will be tough parting with the colt.

“He is a cracking colt, I love him to bits,” Jones said.

“He is a real quality colt and has a bit of size to him, he is very athletic, and just a real nice horse.

“I would really like to keep him but you have got to sell some.”