Trotting action on the grass

There are some wide-open fields and it may pay to follow the proven trainers at the Wanganui Trotting Club's annual meeting tomorrow.

The feature of the 10-race card on grass at Wanganui Racecourse is the $8000 Schnapps Bar-National Park Wanganui Cup, a discretionary handicap race for pacers.

For horses with two or more wins, this race is the start of the Northern Country Cup Series where horses chase the championship on grass tracks around the North Island. The Wanganui club is the first to race on grass in the Central Districts area this season.

"It should be a good day, it's the only day we race as a club," said secretary Carole Terry.

"Some of these horses are true grass trackers and they really go for it."

Terry was pleased that once again the trotting fraternity from around the North Island had committed to come to Wanganui.

Trainers from Manawatu, Waikato and even the South Island are bringing their horses.

Foxton trainer Peter Scaife won four of the eight races in 2011 and brings another contingent to Wanganui tomorrow, including Kilarney Guy in the feature race. Franklin trainer Geoff Small has likewise won the cup before and is back with Shardon's Operator and The Magic.

For a local connection, Palmerston North trainer Stephen Doody's prospect is Haylin Hurricane.

The owner is Richard Owen, whose father had a long association as patron of the Wanganui club.

In the modern era, the club has marked an important milestone with the election this year of a woman president.

Kim McConachy is the first woman at the helm in the 131 years of the organisation.

Clive Spencer picks

1. Haylin Hurricane.

Driver: Brent Mangos; Trainer: S P Doody

2. Naenae Tabman.

Driver: Arna Donnelly; Trainer: A M Donnelly

3. Mighty Creation.

Driver: Nicky Chilcott; Trainer: N A Chilcott