Pocket Me, a last-start second behind the talented Cool Hand Luke, has everything in his favour for the Hannon Memorial at the Oamaru Harness Racing Club's meeting tomorrow.
The In The Pocket 7-year-old has drawn perfectly at three, and will be driven by Anthony Butt, who last week became the youngest
and quickest driver to notch up 1000 wins in New Zealand.
Pocket Me was "generally a pretty good beginner" from a standing start, co-trainer David Butt said from his Woodend Beach stable.
Race tactics would be left to Anthony Butt, but the best scenario was going to the front and staying there, David Butt said.
Pocket Me was nabbed in only the last few strides by Cool Hand Luke in a free-for-all mobile 2600m at Addington last Thursday. The time was a fast 3min 12sec and the mile rate 1min 58.8sec.
"He [Pocket Me] seems fine," Butt said.
Pocket Me was sent to David and wife Catherine for beach and swimming work, mainly to help leg problems.
"We leave the pressure till race day. He doesn't get the usual sort of preparation," David Butt said.
All going well at Oamaru, Pocket Me would be aimed at the New Zealand Cup in November.
An exceptionally even field will contest the Caduceus Club 4-and-5-year-old series event over 2000m (mobile).
Let's Tango Lavros, Ponce De Leon (which won at the Kurow meeting), Jagged Account and Lifeinthefastlane are obvious contenders, but there are another four or five which could easily run in the money.
Seven runners are last-start winners, with Mosgiel-trained Classic Kojak going for his fifth consecutive success, Randell his fourth on end and Lets Tango Lavros and Lifeinthefastlane their third.
The Ron Mills Memorial Free-For-All Trot has drawn a sharp field, headed by the brilliant Take A Moment, winner of just over $426,000.
Take A Moment easily held off one of Sunday's rivals, Sundowner Bay, at Addington last Thursday. Sundowner Bay was fourth in this race a year ago.
Take A Moment's trainer, Tim Butt, ever confident, acknowledged Take A Moment had "been a great horse" but he was still only a seven-year-old "and it could be his year".
Butt rated Sundowner Bay and Major Decision as his two biggest rivals.
- NZPA
