Mobile an unknown for in-form trotter

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Petra Luzumova has just one concern with Streaming Live ahead of racing at Kaikoura on Sunday – the mobile.

The four-year-old mare will have her first start behind the gate in the Vic & Irene Smith Memorial NZJD Champs Heat Mobile Trot (1900m), but the Oamaru trainer believes it won’t be a problem.

“She has been in fantastic form but she is going to the mobile and we don’t know what she is going to do off the mobile, but we don’t think it is going to be an issue considering her manners,” Luzumova said.

The daughter of Muscle Mass has been a cashpoint for Luzumova of late, winning three and placing and placing in four of her last seven starts, and she is hoping junior driver Sam Thornley can continue that streak this weekend.

Luzumova believes a key pillar to Streaming Live’s success is her exceptional temperament, which should put her in good stead on Sunday at the oceanside track.

“She is working well at home, there is not much I can fault,” Luzumova said.

“We don’t think the track will worry her either because she is so beautifully gaited. That is why we are going up with her.”

Luzumova has been training for the last five seasons and was introduced to the sport through her partner Billy Heads, who was the main connection in acquiring Streaming Live.

“My partner, Billy Heads, used to train for the breeder, Kevin Schuck. He was quite happy for me to take her on and have a go with her,” Luzumova said.

“She has been easy. She has a really nice nature and is a nice horse to work with.”

Luzumova is a dual license holder, but prefers to leave the driving to others on raceday.

“I definitely prefer training. I quite enjoy driving at the trials, but on raceday I get a wee bit nervous so I prefer to book the professionals,” she said.

Luzumova isn’t fazed by the long road trip north to Kaikoura this weekend and is looking forward to spending some time at the picturesque track.

“I don’t mind the driving and I will go up for a couple of days to enjoy Kaikoura,” she said.