Brett Gray looks a trainer to follow at Gore on Sunday with good chances in six of the 11 races at the grass track fixture.

In the Hokonui Honda Trot, he lines up the first starter Jaccka Josh, full brother to Jocy Jaccka and half to Jaccka Jack and Dominion winner Jaccka Justy. The three year old won a workout on the grass at Gore by four lengths last Saturday.

“He's a nice horse and has the ability but the start is still a question mark,” Gray said.

Northview Betta contests the Robyn's Treasure Mobile for the Butterworth Racing Syndicate. Twice a winner last season, he has had his issues this time in but a sound workout last week was a pointer to better things.

“We've had a bit of a problem with his feet so we've been to the beach a few times and it has helped,” Gray reported, “he's a winning chance.”

The well-related Way To Go contests the Aon Insurance Trot on the back of a bold third at Wyndham.

“Way To Go is getting closer, I've been quite happy with him and its not an overly strong field,” was Gray's assessment.

Gray will have two going around in the Van De Water Jewellers Mobile and both have difficult draws in a strong C1 lineup. Pavarotti, who goes from two on the second line, resumed in solid fashion for second at Wyndham.

“He was encouraging last start, its wait and see now how he will handle the grass.”

El Capitan goes from six on the second line and takes a one from one record into the race. 

“It will be the first go on the grass for El Capitan, he's a chance but it is a big step-up from C0 to C1.”

The day's feature is the McDowell Painting Gore Grass Cup and Gray's rep will be the consistent Mighty Flying Deal. The four year has raced on grass before and was given a refresher at Gore last week, finishing second to raceday opponent The Big Boss.

“I was happy with his workout at Gore last Saturday, he handled the grass well.”

Last on the day is the Keep It Clean Mobile and it is shaping like a match race between Eamon Maguire and the Gray rep Jimmy Mack. A winner on Invercargill Cup day, Jimmy Mack was given a look at the Gore grass last week when a half-head second to Leah Mac over 1800 metres. He goes from three on the second line of Sunday.

“I really like him,” Gray said, “he hasn't got the best draw but he's quite tough and has good stamina.”

Mac Henry