Stratford trainer Tony Dravitzki is a charming man at the best of times, but when he gets the opportunity to talk about his team of horses heading for the Stratford Racing Club New Years Eve race meeting on December 31 he has a smile on his face even Richard Gere would be proud of.
"I've got a handy little team around me at the moment and some exciting new horses coming through," he said.
"One in particular that I'm quite keen on is my unnamed Raise the Flag ex It's My Time gelding, who has shown a bit at the jumpouts and in his work at the track.
"He is a half brother to a filly I trained called Time to Sparc, who won as a two year old. There are a couple of nice maiden races here at the Stratford Racing Club New Years eve meeting and even a maiden three year old 1600m that we may have a look at for him.
"I think he could go a good race in. He is the type that puts himself in a race."
There is also Blazing Opal, who ran a nice third here on his home track last year who hasn't had a lot of luck in his most recent runs, but who has ability.
"The Librettist gelding is likely to start over ground on his home track this time and will be hard to beat.
"Rosie Myers rode him last start and she was more than happy with his efforts," said Tony. "The stable also has Avatrix, who could go a cheeky race on her home track. She recently won a jumpout at New Plymouth, with in-form local Stratford jockey Dylan Turner aboard, quite convincingly."
He said it would be her first start on her home track, which might help.
Asked if Tony had any to watch out for in the future he said "I have a two year old Pins and an O'Reilly gelding , which have just started their first preparations who might be worth following in the future." "I like them both a lot, and they are a pleasure to train, but I'll keep my Captain Rio filly to myself."