Smith all set for race day return

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

A not altogether new name is about to re-join the junior driving ranks.

After being off the scene since 2021, Simon Smith is looking forward to "giving it a crack" this Labour weekend. 

The 29-year-old self-employed farrier has two drives - Bryce's Meddle at Friday's Addington meeting and last start winner Ocean Of Tears at Timaru on Sunday.

"It was not really my intention to drive but I sort of got talked into it," says Smith.

Since his last drive five years ago Smith has concentrated on his own business.

"That remains the priority and I do that 2-3 days a week."

But he also helps out at Robert and Jenna Dunn's stables at Woodend and has been driving fast work with some of their top horses including It's Tough. He is 
also a part-owner in two Dunn-trained horses in Sidestepper and six-win trotter Hoof It Hagrid.

As for his chances this weekend?

"I don't know much about Ocean Of Tears though it did win last start and Bryce's Meddle is the GP (galloping pacemaker) on the beach so it will be ready and fit."

Bryce's Meddle ($18) has drawn the ace in Race 9, the Equine Magic Mobile Pace (8.38pm) at Addington tomorrow night while Ocean Of Tears has the same draw in Sunday's Englefield Family Junior Drivers Handicap Pace at Phar Lap Raceway (3.30pm). 

In 2020 and 2021 Smith had three winners from 30 drives.

ROBBIE HOLMES DOUBLE AT ADDINGTON 

Meanwhile at Addington last night Robbie Holmes rounded out the meeting with a late double with MM Sunshine and Captain Kiwi. It was MM Sunshine's 12th career win while Captain Kiwi broke maidens at start number 10.  

The night's biggest win came from Heaven Forbid who was first up for the in-form father-son combo of Peter and Mitchell Robertson team. The five-year-old cleared out to win by over six lengths. 

The Robertsons have only recently purchased the horse with the win following on from success with two other recruits to their stable in Ward Lamon and Royal Belle. 

The Borcoskies also had reason to celebrate last night with Thomas driving Archer, trained by his father Paul, to an upset win in Race 6. Archer paid $38 for the win.