Stratford with three chances in race "we would love to win" at Gore

By Jonny Turner 

Tony Stratford has the weight of numbers in a race he would dearly love to win at Gore on Sunday.

The trainer starts Rakamurph, Waikaka and Bettor Way on their home track in the Alan Steel Memorial (2.52pm).

Before passing away this year, Steel enjoyed plenty of success in harness racing and raced several smart types from the Stratford stable including Pulp Fiction and Leithen Louie. 

The trainer looks a big chance of taking out the first edition of the race named in memory of his uncle, a feat he would love to complete.

"We have three in it and there are only seven in it, so we are a decent chance."

"It wouldn't matter which horse did it, we would love to win the race."

Rakamurph is set to start favourite in the event following his fifth in the recent Kurow Cup.

That kind of form looks to stack up very well in Sunday's rating 43-59 event.

"He was second to Beside Me two starts ago, that's pretty good form."

"I thought he was unlucky not to run third at Kurow, he was held up around the bend and in the early part of the straight."

"He's a nice horse and you would think with a bit of luck he would be hard to beat."

Bettor Way was ninth in the Kurow Cup, but also steps back sharply in grade on Sunday.

Waikaka only battled in another event on Kurow Cup Day, but Stratford is hoping for much more from him this time.

"Waikaka was disappointing at Oamaru, he went too hard early and it wasn't ideal first up."

"But he has come on really good from that run and I am expecting him to go a good race."

“Bettor Way will be better for having that run too, he has raced in some smart fields and he’s a good eachway chance.”

Stratford has more stablemates going head-to-head on the Gore card in Rakavenom and Mr President.

Rakavenom is another stepping back in grade after taking on the highest-rated of the recent Southern Surge finals.

"She was in a tough race at Winton and she didn't have a lot of luck."

"Any luck from the draw this week and she'd be right in it."

"She loves Gore and has barely missed there."

Mr President was excellent in his third behind smart filly Indulge Me in his Southern Surge third placing.

"He was really good at Winton and if he can back that up he would have to be a chance."

"He is a funny bugger, there have been times when he has been poor but when he is in the mood he can really turn it on."

Stratford also starts Van Liberty in Sunday's opener and Baton Rouge in the final race on the Gore card.

"I'm really happy with Van Liberty, he is a top 4 chance for sure."

"He just needs a wee bit of luck, he's not really a burn-early horse."

"Baton Rouge was last at the 600m at Oamaru but he has run his last half (800m) in quite good time."

"He's better for having a run and will be an improver."