A couple of local trainers will be looking to break maiden ranks with their charges at the Waimate Racing Club meeting tomorrow.
The cup race has attracted a useful field, but local interest will be focused on Tim Kennedy and Richard Langford.
Langford's 3-year-old filly, Nellie Munro, ishaving her first raceday start, and he's not sure what to expect, especially from a wide draw.
"She's a first starter - she's pretty green."
If she jumps well though, she could be an outside chance for Oamaru owners Bernie and Heather McMullan even from a barrier draw of 16.
Kennedy is still unsure whether he will line up Miss Lucy in a maiden 1800m event.
The 4-year-old mare has been sent down from the North Island, having picked up one third in six starts, and has spelled for a while.
"She's been turned out for three months," Kennedy said. "It's a bit of a step in the unknown. It's doubtful whether she'll start yet."
The Classic Fame mare has been working well, but Kennedy thinks it may be a fortnight too early for her.
King of Ashford
The sale of King Of Ashford to the Australian stable of Lee Freedman is expected to be completed on Monday.
Trainer Karen Zimmerman of Otaki said yesterday she had still to be paid for the proposed sale.
Zimmerman owns a half-share in King Of Ashford and said the money was needed as the horse was booked to leave her stable Tuesday.
Zimmerman would not disclose the sale price but she and the other part-owner, Gerry Arber of Palmerston North, will retain a 10 per cent share between them.
King Of Ashford is one of the more promising stayers in New Zealand.
Last April he won the group two $100,000 Hawkes Bay Cup. The 6-year-old gelding has had 24 starts for 10 wins and stake earnings of $279,000.
