Will Meo continue the purple patch

Masterton farrier Gavin Semmens may hold the key to the continuing success of Wairarapa-trained gallopers, lining up Meo in the opening event at Awapuni tomorrow.

The district's trainers are collectively going through a purple patch just now and, of the six horses due to line up tomorrow, Meo looks as good a chance as any of them.

Semmens owns and trains Meo whose short career so far has involved five raceday appearances punctuated by a couple of breaks but his effort for second at Tauherenikau earlier this month gave the appearance of a horse capable of entering the winner's circle any time soon.

Under the guidance of jockey David Walker, the gelding was handy throughout, mounted a strong challenge at the turn and led, only to be run down late by Fist.

Should he clear maidens tomorrow he would do so at the expense of another Wairarapa runner, Blame de Angels.

Blame de Angels is from the Gerald Innes barn and is primed to turn the tables on his track mate.

He also lined up at Tauherenikau and, like Meo, put in a big one for second behind winner Bazinger.

The draw tomorrow won't help him though.

Tauherenikau owner-trainer Don Fuge is also getting in on the opening act of the day, accepting with All Ginga.

The mare would be at far rougher odds than the above two and has struggled to finish better than midfield in her outings to date.

That said, Fuge has been known to produce winners on winter tracks so, all in all, the opening event looks like being a good contest from a Wairarapa perspective.

Innes has Share the Blame in race 2, a rating 65 over 1400m.

His fifth placing at Tauherenikau was a fair enough effort without flattering and a win here would surprise.

Frank Stammers is expected to wheel out old Kalgoorlie Bomber for his 121 career start in race 4.

The rising 12-year-old has failed to flatter in recent times even on rain-affected tracks that usually suit him but he is the sort of old campaigner who can never be completely discounted although this company looks a bit rich on current form.

Trainer James Wallace picked up a nice one at Tauherenikau when Mac An Athair won for him.

The gelding appreciated the longer journey, racing over 2200m and won comfortably in the hands of Buddy Lammas.

Tomorrow's race 7 journey is 2100m and Lammas has accepted the ride on rival Field Daze so the partnership will not be on-going.

The only other Wairarapa competitor is also in race 7, being Sea Eagle.

Trainer Kylie Little, who also owns Sea Eagle, is expected to jump the mare during this winter as Sea Eagle has already had three career hurdles starts but meantime is keeping her going on the flat.