Cameron eyes strong start to grass track racing

Coes Ford harness racing trainer Ross Cameron expects good things from his team of four engaged at the first grass track meeting of this side of the season to be held at Methven on Sunday.

Race 3, the Dubliner Mobile Pace over 2300 (12.47pm), Cameron drives the first of his chances Harry’s Gold. The three-year-old Gold Ace gelding has placed once in eight attempts. Despite Cameron’s concerns of missing a workout, he is happy that Harry’s Gold can be competitive.

“He seems back to his old self and prefers the grass. He’s drawn okay so I expect him to be handy. He is a nice horse,” said Cameron. 

In Race 5, (1.43pm), the Terry May Memorial Pace over 1700m, debutant St Elmo’s Fire takes his spot after trialling up solidly. Cameron expects that there is more in store with the three-year-old Gold Ace colt.

“He’s a nice wee horse. Though it’s been hard to get and honest line on him because he only does what has to in work at home. I know there’s a lot more to him. But, whatever he does he will improve from it. I’ve got plenty of time for him.”

Race 8, the Midland Seeds Mobile Pace (3.27pm) over a mile, Cameron lines up Heaven Forbid. To his own admission, the twice winning five-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven gelding has been disappointing since winning six starts ago.

 “He’s come back up well. He also missed a workout. So he may need the run but would be up to these on his day.” 

Race 9 the Betavet Prepare Peak Performance Handicap Pace (3.59pm) over 2400m the well-performed Lonnekers takes his place. Cameron expects nothing short of a good run from the five-year-old Vincent gelding gunning for career win seven.

“He is racing well with no luck. Been getting too far back in his races recently. He loves grass tracks. The draw could work either way. If gaps appear, he’ll go pretty close.” 

Race 1 gets underway at 11.45am.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand