Sarah O'Reilly with solid chances at Methven

By Mike Love 

The Drivers' Challenge looks set to highlight action at today's Methven meeting at Mt Harding.

With four teams of three, each of the invited driver races provide an opportunity for a penalty free win for the winning horse’s connections. Representing the local Methven team are Leo, Gerard and Sarah O’Reilly, who look to have a strong book between them. 

Driver Sarah O’Reilly believes her driving team has a great chance of success in today’s challenge. 

“Yes, we seemed to get a good book of drives, and some good chances for us!” said Sarah O’Reilly.

Race 6, Waihemo Hannah ($5.00FF), in the Shearmac Aluminium Ltd (Invited Drivers Challenge) Trot over 2400m (2.32pm) is one of O’Reilly’s stronger chances. 

“She’s very consistent and has good manners. It can put itself into a good spot during the race, so hopefully it can finish off the race like it has been.” 

In Race 7, the Mainland Wool Ltd (Invited Drivers Challenge) Mobile Pace over 2300m (3.14pm), O’Reilly drives Not Over ($61.00FF) at long odds, however also trains the well favoured Taumutu Lad ($4.80FF), with Harrison Orange for the Rising Stars team drawing the drive. O’Reilly rates Taumutu Lad a very strong prospect.

“I’m really happy with how he’s been going. He’s been finishing off his races really well, and last week he was unlucky, he could have easily got some money. But he’ll be ready to go today.” 

Race 8 ‘The Brown Pub Methven’ Mount Hutt TC Cup (HCP Pace) 3000m (3.40pm) for $20,000, O’Reilly drives American Me ($4.80FF). He has been racing well off big handicaps recently, and while still having to contend with another 40m impost, O’Reilly believes this may be a touch easier than recent assignments.

“He’s been trying his hardest and finishing off the races well recently off big handicaps. But it's a smaller and more suitable race and the field is a little bit weaker than his last few races. And with the smaller field there won't be as many horses to navigate.” 

Race 9, the Speight’s (Invited Drivers Challenge) Mobile Pace over 2300m (4.08pm), Topaz ($4.40FF) lands a nice draw and has been racing well enough to suggest she will be competitive.

“It’s an even field. She’s been racing well and racing well on the grass. It should be a race that should suit her.” 

Jukebox Gypsy ($2.90FF) in Race 11, the Mid Canterbury Canty Plains Challenge (HT 2) Mob Pace over 2300m (5.12pm), O’Reilly rates as a decent chance.

“She’s been racing really well, but even though she has an average draw, she usually finishes off her races if she’s back in the field, so hopefully she can do that.” 

O’Reilly’s other drives are;

Race 2 - Harry’s Girl
Race 3 - Bettor Dreams
Race 4 - Diamond Harbour
Race 5 - Hope For Love 
Race 10 - Sheza Trendy One

Race 1 gets underway at 12:05pm, while the Invited Drivers Challenge races are four to seven, and races nine and 10. 

The driving teams are :

RISING STARS - Wilson House, Sam Thornley, Harrison Orange. 
PREMIERSHIP LEADERS: Ricky May, Zachary Butcher, John Dunn.
LEADING LADIES: Sam Ottley, Sheree Tomlinson, Crystal Hackett.
METHVEN: Gerard O'Reilly, Leo O'Reilly, Sarah O'Reilly. 

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