Racing: O'Sullivan likely to close in on record

If Lance O'Sullivan says it matters only that he beats Bill Skelton's winning record, not where, then a lowly Rotorua midweeker today will do just fine.

The champion jockey has some strong rides in weak fields and manager Stu Laing believes he will come close to pulling it off.

"Lance has some nice rides and he'll go close on a few of them," Laing said.

O'Sullivan, who needs three victories, looks a big chance on the Kerry Verner-trained Cuzzio in race eight. Cuzzio won first-up in his last preparation and has drawn the rails barrier to compliment his brilliance.

Vega Sicilia, owned by the Vela brothers, showed flashes of talent earlier in the season and looked good finishing fourth in a stronger field than this when resuming from a break at Ellerslie last start.

She would have gone close that day with a decent barrier draw.

The Kevin Meyers-trained Gabla has beaten better fields than he meets in race seven and with O'Sullivan's knowledge of the horse, he looks a big hope.

O'Sullivan's first ride, on James Scott in race three, is interesting. The horse is coming back from a break and trainer Ross McCarroll says he will improve with the race. Also, James Scott has yet to tackle a firm track, but there does not appear to be a horse good enough to test him.