One Bob’s Worth: The Oamaru Multi Maker

by Rob Courtney

The time-honoured Hannon Memorial day at Oamaru runs again on Sunday, and the horses below deserve serious consideration in their respective races.

Race 2 - Aardies Memphis

Trainers: Cran and Chrissie Dalgety

The Bettor’s Delight three-year-old was excellent on debut, running a 1:56.4 mile rate behind Donna’s Crunch at Addington on September 4 after some solid trials in preparation.

He is second-up on Sunday and has the benefit of the pole over the mobile 2000m. He should be even better for the debut experience and rates a strong winning chance to set off what could be a very good day for the stable.

Bob’s Pick: To win

Race 4 - Patriot

Trainers: Steve and Amanda Telfer

Placed in all three starts earlier in the year, with his last start in late April, before being put aside.

His trial form in preparation for a fresh campaign has been excellent, including a last-start trial win at Rangiora on September 2 in a 1:59.3 mile rate, with the last 800m in 58.7.

Tour Party is likely to be all the rage, but this richly bred colt looks good enough to run the quinella. His dam won 15 races and earned around $607,000.

Bob’s Pick: Top 2

Race 5 - Ya Rite Darl

Trainers: Robert and Jenna Dunn

The nine-win trotter resumes in a capacity field in the Group 3 Jasmyn’s Gift.

She was only fourth in her latest trial at Rangiora on September 2, but what a trial it was. She blew the start from her 30m handicap, adding around another 100m, before tagging on with 700m to run and closing quickly down the outer off sectionals of 58.0 and 27.8.

She starts from the unruly and 20m behind, so the start will be critical, but that trial was awesome.

Bob’s Pick: Top 3

Race 6 - Secret Wish

Trainers: Hayden and Amanda Cullen

The very smart filly resumes in a Nevele R Fillies Series heat and has the luxury of drawing the pole.

She was a last-start winner of the Sires’ Stakes Final in Auckland in early May and was arguably the top-ranked three-year-old filly at that stage of the season.

She has had two quiet trials in recent weeks to prepare for her new campaign, and her trainers are sure to have her ready, although she is unlikely to be completely screwed down with bigger targets ahead.

Her biggest threat could be Indulge Me on her back, but with Blair Orange in the bike she still rates as the one to beat.

Bob’s Pick: Top 2

Race 7 - Marble Arch

Trainers: Cran and Chrissie Dalgety

Another to draw the one marble over the mobile 2000m.

After a strong fresh-up effort at Addington last week behind Cheer The Captain, this Always B Miki three-year-old looks a real chance to add to the Dalgety stable’s tally of training wins.

He has never finished further back than fourth in six race starts and should be fitter again for this assignment. A clear top pick from the draw.

Bob’s Pick: To win

Race 10 - Teddy The Terror

Trainer: John Morrison

Scratched from Methven last week because of the track conditions when expected to be a solid chance.

A strong trial placing at Addington the week before behind the well-performed Freeze Frame didn’t go unnoticed, and this lightly raced five-year-old, with two wins from 11 starts, looks right up to his rivals here.

The second-line draw just makes his each-way odds more appealing on this occasion.

Bob’s Pick: Top 3