Nairn with two debutants at Addington today

By Mike Love 

Leeston trainer Paul Nairn heads to Addington today armed with a trio of chances, including two new trotters having their maiden starts.

Marikit and Radiant, both take their spots in Race 2, the Avon City Ford Trot (1.56pm) over 2600m. 

“I’m not really sure how good they are just yet,” cautioned Nairn. 

“They both qualified nice enough.”

Radiant has opened the favourite, at $2.60FF.

“She hasn’t really done anything to make me think she’s a star. But it is early days.” 

The four-year-old Love You mare is a full sister to Masterly, who won nine for Nairn before being sold to Australia. 

“She’ll be competitive with the maidens.”

Bob Butt will take the drive. 

Nairn will drive Marikit ($6.00FF), who recently qualified at her first run off the property, on June 3, at Rangiora. 

“Her manners were good the other day, but obviously it’ll be different with more horses around her.” 

Marikit is a three-year-old filly by Waterloo Sunset, who won seven for Nairn, out of Elsu mare Karimaia, making Marikit a half sister to Waterloo Station, and the 14-race winning pacer, Hazer. 

“The full-brother to Karimaia was a good trotter, Scarrymcleary. So there is some breeding about.” 

Scarrymcleary won 21 races across New Zealand and Australia, clocking a PB of 1.52.3.

Other chances in the event include the Robert and Jenna Dunn trained Tyron Everest ($3.00FF), and the Sam Payne trained and driven Neil William ($11.00FF), who returns to the draw after spending a bit of time off the unruly where he has put together a good run of placings. 

Nairn's other runner Lookin Snazzy ($6.50FF) returns from an Auckland campaign in Race 4, the IRT. Your Horse. Our Passion. Pace, over 2000m (3.14pm).

It's fair to say the three-year-old Bettor's Delight colt was not at his best at Alexandra Park and he has since trialled twice, winning his most recent at Rangiora on June 3, stopping the clock at 57.6 seconds for the final 800 metres. 

“His first night in Auckland he just went fair, and then the next time he went to put the boot in, in the score up.”

“But he’s come back, trialled good and working well again. It will be hard with the wide draw over the sprint distance.”

Bob Butt takes the drive.

Other chances in the event include current favourite and debutant Librici ($3.50FF) for trainer/driver Jonny Cox, while Always B Mindful ($4.60FF) is in the market for trainer Kevin Williams and driver John Morrison. 

Race 1 gets underway at 1.26pm.

Note: The FF (Fixed Field) odds can fluctuate, so check at tab.co.nz for the latest information.