Team Cullen with strong case in Kotare Downs Stakes

By Mike Love 

Rolleston trainers Hayden and Amanda Cullen head to Rangiora today with three excellent chances, two of which line up in the day's feature race eight, the $25,000 Kotare Downs 3YO Stakes (2.55pm). 

Flying Ace ($13.00FF) and Ashley Frank ($4.50FF) give the barn a strong case against the hotties St Paddy (2.80FF) for Cran and Chrissie Dalgety, and Forever Miki ($2.80FF) for Brent and Tim White.

St Paddy is fresh up after winning his one and only race day start back in November at Winton, and has had a couple of trials leading into today, while Forever Miki is two from two and comes in on the back of his fresh up victory at Addington on April 24.  

Co-trainer Amanda Cullen believes their two charges cannot be left out of the equation. Ashley Frank, to be driven by Blair Orange, is shooting for a hat-trick, though he has drawn nine.   

“That draw doesn’t help, but his training has been very good."

Ashley Frank, the Bettor's Delight gelding, has won his first two runs back at Addington this campaign, the most recent being three weeks ago.

 “When he gets off the place and goes to the races he grows another leg. We expect him to go another good race.” 

Flying Ace, to be driven by Olivia Thornley, draws closer but potentially awkwardly if Carter Dalgety on St Paddy is hell bent on leading. 

“He’s done nothing wrong in this preparation. He’s just had no luck. He’s been getting buried on the fence and rattling home late. His sectionals have been brilliant. 

“He just needs a change of luck.” 

The Anne Thompson Graduation series continues today, and Team Cullen have their charge Crunched ($3.50FF) in Race 5, the Wai Eyre Stud Anne Thompson Series (HT 4) Mobile Pace (1.13pm) over 2000m, with Blair Orange to drive. 

The three-year-old Captain Crunch gelding has not raced since October last year when putting together a couple of credible fourths in strong company, and has since had a couple of trials recently to ready himself for today’s fresh up assignment. 

“The two-year-old form looks pretty good, but whatever he does he is going to improve off it.”

“The draw will mean he won't have to be used early, so we will leave it up to Blair to make the right moves.” 

Race one gets underway at 11.15am.

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