Purvis takes big team to Rangiora

By Mike Love 

Woodend Beach trainer Matt Purvis takes a team of seven to the Rangiora winter meeting today. 

Although there are no standouts from the barn, Purvis is relatively happy with his team, and expects them all to perform satisfactorily, meaning punters will need to give serious consideration to the horses donning green jackets. 

Kicking off his chances is Kotare Kelso ($5.50FF) in Race 1, the Rangiora HRC Membership $35 Mobile Pace (12.14pm) over 2000m for Amateur Drivers, where Adam White will take the drive. Drawing the outside of the frontline, Kotare Kelso comes in off some honest efforts, as is the norm for the five-year-old Always B Miki gelding. 

“He’s come on nicely since his last run. He likes to blast off the arm. He should be a solid top three chance,” said Purvis. 

Two-year-old filly Make Mumma Proud ($5.50FF) debuts in Race 3, the Barnsy’s All Trade Services Mobile Pace (1.18pm) over 2000m. From a crop of Fear The Dragon, the filly has trialled four times, most recently at Addington finishing fourth of four.

“She qualified really well. Then after her second trial we found she had a snotty nose, so we backed right off. But her last hit out at home was really positive. Five horse fields are awkward, but she’s got enough ability to win,” said Purvis. 

Current favourite is the Michael Heenan trained Victory March ($1.85FF) and is the shortest priced favourite of the day.

Jacks Point ($16.00FF) is second up for Purvis in Race 4, the World Class Trotters At Yabby Dam Farms and Wai Eyre Trot (1.55pm) over 2000m. The four-year-old Father Patrick gelding was very sound first up after missing the start from the mobile, only to finish six-lengths off the winner, Lexicon at Addington on July 31.

“He didn’t really handle the last bend at Addington. So I’ve made a few wee gear changes to hopefully help him. Ability wise he could easily run in the top four.” 

Gavin Smith will take the drive. 

Purvis lines up a couple of maidens in Race 5, the Lazarus and US Captain At Wai Eyre Mobile Pace (2.24pm) over 2000m. Semper Denario ($61.00FF) for Gavin Smith, and Tattooed Lady ($19.00FF) for Robbie Close have drawn beside each other in six and seven. 

“Semper Denario’s work has been really nice. She just panicked behind the mobile, which is why she made a mistake, and why I’ve taken the blinds off her. If she brings her manners, she’s well over the odds,” said Purvis. 

“Tattooed Lady lacks a bit of gate speed, and will derive a lot from the run. She will be one to watch when grass track racing resumes.”

A Better Jackalack ($12.00FF) will be looking for a little more luck third up this campaign, as he makes his track debut in Race 7, the Kyle Cameron Harness Racing Mobile Pace (3.35pm) over 2000m with Sam Thornley in the bike. 

“He’s come through his first run really well. He made up some good ground on a 56/26 sectionals. He has a front line draw. He can be quirky, so if he brings manners I’m expecting another positive run from him.” 

Rounding out Purvis’ chances is Don Juan ($15.00FF) for John Dunn in Race 10,  the Auto Car Wash Waimak Junction Mobile Pace (5.08pm) over 2000m. 

Starting from a draw of one the second line, Don Juan will be relying on luck. 

“He’s going to need luck from there. His work has been great, and he’ll be attacking the line again,” said Purvis.