Racing: Sprinter overdue change of luck

Ja Ja Binks runs at Ellerslie tomorrow. Photo / Trish Dunell

A bold run from Ja Ja Binks at Ellerslie tomorrow would put an end to David and Emma-Lee Browne's frustrating run with the talented mare.

She has the opportunity to inject much-needed momentum to her summer campaign in the Monstavision - Fasttrack 5K (1200m), in which she will be ridden by Samantha Collett.

"She was late scratched from the Newmarket after she slipped over in the birdcage," David Browne said.

"She came back perfectly from that, but she was then balloted out of the Railway. The only place we would then find to run her was Thames and that got called off.

"Hopefully, we're right for this weekend and Sam has ridden her a couple of times to get a feel of the mare.

"We'll get through this race and then maybe line up on Karaka Million night. There's a couple of options there, a fillies and mares' race or the sprint."

Ja Ja Binks has won three of her eight starts, her latest appearance resulting in a fourth placing at Ellerslie.

The stable also has three runners at Trentham today, headed by Belle du Nord in the Gr.1 Grant Plumbing Levin Classic (1600m).

"It was an encouraging run last time, she's been growing so much and she's a big, strong filly now," Browne said. Placed in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m), Belle du Nord ran third at Ellerslie behind Age Of Fire on Boxing Day.

Two-year-old Hattie Bee will run in the Kilbirnie Sports Premier (1200m) and is still in Karaka Million (1200m) contention.

"She's been getting a bit lost out of the gates.

"We just want to see her settle and travel a bit better," Browne said.

Group Three Tui - Backing Winners Since 1889 Anniversary (1600m) contender Stratocaster completes the Trentham team.

"He's been a work in progress getting him back," Browne said.

Stratocaster has returned to winning form this preparation following a two-year injury break.

- NZ Racing Desk