Sutherland set to drive half the Tamworth card

Young Manilla reinswoman Courtney Sutherland is set to have a busy night at Wednesday night’s Tamworth Harness Racing Club meeting.

“I think I have a good chance with all of the drives – if not a winner well a place chance,” Sutherland said.

The night at the office will commence in the opening event with a drive behind Risky Buziness for Gordon in the Peter and Diane McNamara sponsored Horse of the Year Pace.

Sutherland finished second on Risky Buziness at the last Tamworth meeting.

“He is a beautiful horse to drive – he stopped a bit down the back straight last start but he kicked again,” she said.

“I will be driving him for a win for sure – he is a tough horse”.

Red Rocker is the second from Gordon’s stables for Sutherland in the Global Bloodstock Drivers Premiership Congratulations Lola Weidemann Pace.

“I have never driven or seen the horse before – all I know is he is a chestnut horse,” Sutherland said.

Sutherland’s favourite Jax Tellar – trained by her father Chris – is one horse she is accustomed to driving winners behind.

“I reckon he will go alright,” Sutherland said with the gelding having three wins last season at Tamworth.

“He just keeps improving.”

A last start fifth to Merry Jasper at Tamworth Jax Tellar will commence from the eight barrier.

“I couldn’t get him out last start but he was only a couple of metres off the winner,” Sutherland said.

Last start winner Hes Our Boy from the Tony Missen stables is another that Sutherland has accepted to drive.

“He is the horse that beat me last week when I drove Risky Buziness,” she said.

Hes Our Boy had a near 2 metre win over Risky Buziness the last time the pair clashed at Tamworth.

“His draw doesn’t look that favourable but we will see what we can do,” Sutherland said.  

Hes Our Boy has drawn barrier six in the Sauer’s Glass Tamworth Owners Premiership Congratulations Julie Weidemann Pace.

The Richard Williams trained Itsnewstome in the Global Bloodstock Trainers Premiership is another who may shine in the winner’s circle for Sutherland.

“He finished third at Newcastle last start with a good run – his barrier draw is not too bad either,” she said.

By Julie Maughan

Reprinted with permission of The Northern Daily Leader