Racing: Tough task for Addictive Habit

Addictive Habit. Photo / Race Images

You can put Lee Somervell's name forward for trainer of the year if he can get Addictive Habit to win tomorrow's $200,000 Windsor Park Plate at Trentham.

A Queensland winter campaign, equine virus problem, finally winning the A$100,000 Southbank in Queensland, back home to take the 1200m Foxbridge Plate then winning the $250,000 Livamol Classic at 2040m.

To bring a horse that's been through that to win over 1600m at group one level is nothing short of a fantastic performance. And the same goes for Addictive Habit himself.

And things look likely to fall in place. Rain around yesterday and at least some predicted for today will help, although Addictive Habit is capable on all types of footing. Where rain will help is it will be against some of the other runners.

"Probably the No 1 barrier is not absolutely perfect," says rider Sam Spratt, "but then he's not really a difficult horse to ride. I won't mind if I'm just a passenger." An extremely open and strong field faces Addictive Habit.

Shuka is unbeaten in three starts at Trentham, Recite is a run with decent luck away from her next win, Kisses has two wins from as many starts this campaign, Allez Eagle is capable at any level and Platinum Witness is more than capable of stepping up from an R85 win last start.

John Bary's decision to run Recite in the stakes race at Hawera two weeks ago was part of the bigger plan to have the classy mare in peak condition for tomorrow's feature.

"It got her second-up run out of the way and to have the right gap between that race and this one. She's a big strong mare now and she's thriving." Recite sat three wide without cover at Hawera, challenged early in the home straight and was outfinished by less than half a length by Kisses. Reverse the runs and Recite wins the race.

This time she has barrier No 2 and should enjoy the run of the race.

Allez Eagle just topped off Recite fresh on Hastings' big day and has shown similar form second up from a break, winning two of those three races.

Platinum Witness has to step up a long way from the R85 victory last start, but she has shown she is more than comfortable at group one level. She has a powerful finish when conditions suit. The predicted rain is no issue.

Punting pointers

Stayer, but: Vavasour, R9, Ellerslie. Will quickly need 2000m, but fresh enough to handle 1600m. Classy at best.
Better this prep: Kelly O'Reilly, R6 Ellerslie. Disappointed last campaign, but spelled and came back with a barrier trial victory. Look for better this time.
Mystery run last start: Trojan Warrior, R5 Ellerslie. Hung last start at Avondale and did not kick on. Look for better if he gets luck from an awkward barrier.