Hillbilly Blues lead up not ideal

Waiuku harness racing trainer Michelle Wallis admits the buildup for her trotter Hillbilly Blues (What The Hill) hasn’t been ideal going into tonight’s Reharvest Rowe Cup.

“He was crook last time, we got him scoped after he raced and he had a respiratory infection. We’ve treated him for that, he’s working good enough and seems to be over it, but it’s not an ideal lead up. But it is what it is,” said Michelle who trains in partnership with her husband Bernie Hackett.

The twenty seven start trotting novice was winning everything put in front of him during the summer, including the G1 National Trot and THE G3 Cambridge Trotters Flying Stakes. But in his first three starts this prep he hasn’t had a lot of luck.

The Wallis/Hackett second runner Confessional, (Father Patrick) wasn’t on his best behaviour at his last start on the grass at Ruakaka a month ago when he broke and was pulled up. He comes back to Alexandra Park where he’s won two of his six starts, in a fresh state.

“He can certainly run and he’ll love the two miles. As long as he puts his best foot forward he won’t be too far away.”

Save A Prayer (Paster Stephen) lines up for the stable earlier in the night in the $100,000 G1 Breckon Farms Northern Derby.

He sat parked and weakened to fourth in the Sires’ Stakes Trotters Championship last week.

“I think the 2700 will be better for him and the bigger field as he won’t be the one sitting out parked and doing work. Hopefully he can be saved for one run. Brent Lilley’s horse (Kyvalley Ray) is the one to beat but if we can be running home and get second or third I’d be rapt.”

Michelle and Bernie have also been looking after Southland trotter Kairo (Majestic Son) for Kirstin Green. He draws barrier three in tonight’s three year old trotting feature.

“He’s a lovely horse and it’s been a big learning curve for him. He just got the wobbles when he hit that first bend at speed last week. He’s working well and I’m sure he’ll give a good account of himself. Unfortunately Kirstin is suspended and can’t come up to drive, so we’ve got Tony (Herlihy) on him.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink