Butt rates The Night Agent his best Geraldine chance

Woodend Beach trainer Bob Butt takes four live chances to the Banks Peninsula Trotting Club’s meeting at Geraldine on Sunday.

Stating at 11.55am, 11 races will be held at the Orari track after the meeting was transferred there as repairs continue at Motukarara.

In Race 1, The Famous Grouse Trot over 1950m (11.55am), Aldebaran Lobell ($3.70FF) resumes off the back of a quiet trial. Butt expects the four-year-old Muscle Mass gelding to derive plenty from the outing.

“He’s always been a big weak bugger, but he’s probably still a wee way from peak fitness.” 

Aldebaran Lobell has not raced since finishing second at Rangiora in late March.

“It’ll be a bit more experience for him. He’s raced once on the grass and only just got beat, so he goes good on it.” 

Debutant Heat Wave ($4.80FF) takes his spot in Race 5, The Golden Mile Motels And Tavern Pace (1.50pm) over 1980m. The Bettors Delight three-year-old gelding has trialled twice recently, and looks poised to make an impact on debut.

“He’s a sensible fella, so hopefully he can ping away good. I rate him a good chance, but it’s just dependent on whether he handles the grass or not, but I expect him to.”

Race 10, the Tactical Approach Standing At Alabar Handicap Trot (4.29pm) over 2500m, sees Lexicon ($4.80FF) facing the tapes from barrier one. Having had just one start since clearing maidens, Butt expects the mare to go a good honest race.

“The draw isn’t ideal, but she’s always had good manners. Hopefully she can step away quickly. She should be a good each-way chance.” 

The Night Agent ($4.20FF) is Butt’s final chance in Race 11, the B.P.T.C Thanks Geraldine Trotting Club Mobile Pace (4.54pm) over 1850m. The Night Agent, like many runners, did not handle the mud at Methven when first up for Butt.

“He couldn’t go a yard in the bog. He’s gone good on the grass up north. He’s probably my best chance of the day, but in saying that it won’t be easy from his draw.”  

Butt drives all of his runners, except for The Night Agent, who will be driven by junior driver Seth Hill.

Note: FF (Fixed Field) odds can fluctuate, so check tab.co.nz for the latest information.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand