Monarch Prince heads Howe team at Addington

by Mike Love

West Melton trainer John “Coaster” Howe will be celebrating and recognizing his support crew at Addington today - as well as lining up four runners with strong chances. 

In race three the Congrats Hornby Panthers 15s! Grand Final Winners trot over 2000m sees KD Grins ($4.50FF) go around with Robbie Holmes in the sulky. 

The three-year-old Imperial Count filly has placed three times from eight starts and will look to use her manners and draw to secure an economical run. 

“It’s getting better with its manners. We’ve just been going every second week for the 2000m because she’s a good beginner,” said Howe. 

“KD Grins or Origin look the likely leader, so hopefully we should be getting another cheque.” 

Other chances in the event include race favourite Billy Kimber ($2.10FF) for trainers Ken Ford & Amanda Tomlinson, to be driven by Sheree Tomlinson, and the Margo Nyhan trained, Peter Davis driven Origin ($2.25FF). 

Sweet Dreams ($9.00FF) comes up with a more favourable draw for Howe and driver Robbie Holmes in race four the Fuller & Hollands Families mobile pace over 1980m. The four-year-old Sweet Lou mare has not had the rub of the green lately, but a more positive drive may hold the key to her chances. 

“Things just haven't been going her way at the moment. We may decide to use the draw.” 

Gimmesomelovin ($3.10FF) for trainer/driver Kyle Cameron looks tough to role drawn one. 

Howe rounds out his chances in race six the Phil And Christine Smith 50+ Wins Trot over 2000m with two chances - Monarch Prince ($3.00FF) with Samantha Ottley and Five Monkeys ($12.00FF) with Korbyn Newman. 

“They’re both good beginners. I think Monarch Prince is my best chance of the day.”

Howe currently works a team of sixteen horses from his West Melton base. 

Race one gets underway at 1:05pm.