Racing: Amatuers' skills will impress the punters

Smiling Shard (12) ridden by Dexter Dunn. Photo / Richard Robinson

If you come across some names you don't recognise - and have no chance of pronouncing - among the drivers at Alexandra Park tonight do not be alarmed.

Because while they may not be professionals, they know what they are doing.

So says the godfather of New Zealand amateur driving, Steve Phillips, ahead of the World Amateur Drivers series which starts there tonight.

Phillips, who started the amateur drivers association in New Zealand, will represent us against 11 rivals from as far away as the Czech Republic and Ukraine.

Betting on amateur races in New Zealand used to be a slightly scary lottery, with many of the participants lacking in skill what they undoubtedly had in enthusiasm.

That is changing, with more ex-professionals joining the ranks and those who have always been amateurs improving with experience.

But Phillips, who is a talented trainer and has won 43 races, says the skill level at the championships will impress punters. "From what I have seen at past series like this these [drivers] are very good," said Phillips.

"A lot of them drive against professionals because there are different rules all over the world and a guy like Marian Tux, from Germany, has driven 580 winners."

The series comprises four races tonight, three at Addington tomorrow night and three at Motukarara on Sunday.

While the drivers may be amateur their commitment to the championships is anything but, with Phillips estimating it could be a $10,000 trip for some of them. "And some of those who don't speak English that well have to find or bring an interpreter as well, at their own expense."

And for those doing a double take when they come across Spanish driver Damian Oliver Oliver, you read it right, his name actually is Damian Oliver Oliver.

And don't get confused with the champion Aussie jockey Damien Oliver we are used to betting on in this part of the world. These guys might be good, but they are not that good.

Gutsy open class pacer Smiling Shard's season has been put on hold.

The Interdominion placegetter from last season is struggling with a recurring ankle problem and will miss his next target, the Hunter Cup at Melton on February 4, a race he ran second in last year.

"It has been troubling him for a while and I could have got him to the race but he wouldn't have been at his peak," said trainer Cran Dalgety.

"At that level close enough is not good enough so he can have a break for a while."

Dalgety says that almost certainly rules Smiling Shard out of the Auckland Cup as well, with the Easter Cup his only realistic target remaining this season.

Dalgety has also ruled out Victorian Derby tilts for class three-year-olds Texican and Raging Bull.

"Raging Bull is having a short break but we did think hard about taking Texican there.

"But he has had some hard racing so he will stay home to get ready for both Derbys here."

World champs

* The world champs of amateur driving start at Alexandra Park tonight.
* Steve Phillips will represent New Zealand against 11 drivers from around the world.
* The series runs over three meetings, finishing at Motukarara on Sunday.
* High-class pacer Smiling Shard will miss the Hunter Cup will an ankle problem.

De Lovely out of big clash

The clash of New Zealand's three best pacing mares at Addington tomorrow night has been reduced to two.

Speed freak mare De Lovely has been scratched from the $40,000 Mares Championship, in which she was going to take on Carabella and Bettor Cover Lover.

But after not pleasing trainers Zenola Farms in track work yesterday morning, she will be allowed to miss the race.

"She is too good to take any chances with," said stable spokesman Geoff Small.

"She just didn't work as well as we wanted and there is no point going all that way to take on Carabella and Bettor Cover Lover unless you are spot on."

Small hasn't ruled out De Lovely making it to the $100,000 Breeders Stakes at Addington on February 4, or the Auckland Cup meeting.