Johnson rates Substitute her best chance of the night

Emily Johnson heads to Cambridge Raceway tonight with three harness racing drives across the six-race programme, and each comes with a little bit of intrigue.

Her night begins aboard The Miki Taker for employer Sean McCaffrey in Race 1, the Skyline Lounge Open All Race Nights Junior Drivers Mob Pace.

Johnson partnered the gelding to victory at Cambridge last week, a performance that caught even her by surprise.

“I didn’t expect that performance from him last start at all. I was quite shocked with him really, so safe to say I’m interested to see how he’ll go this time!”

“It’s a step up for him tonight, if he can run in the top four I think he’ll have done well, and he’s the sort of horse that if they go hard he can come into it at the end.”

Johnson’s second drive comes aboard Play Fast And Loose for trainer Jason Cossey in Race 2, the Hire a Venue at Cambridge Raceway Trot.

The mare finds a inside front row draw over the 2700m trip.

“I was really happy with her last start, she got a bit held up which probably isn’t her go, she likes to keep rolling.”

Johnson is hoping they can make use of the mare’s early manners and keep some momentum throughout.

“She’s a good beginner so hopefully we can lob the fence and see how we travel.”

It is her final drive of the night, however, that Johnson rates as her best chance.

Substitute makes his race day debut for McCaffrey in Race 6, the Daily Double Trot, having most recently impressed with a win at the workouts.

As is often the case with young trotters, ability is only one part of the equation, and Johnson admits there are still a few unknowns surrounding the youngster heading into his first start.

“He’s doing well, he’s probably got a lot to learn yet because he’s quite nervous.”

“We’ll be hoping to do everything right! It’s the sort of field where he should be capable of running a placing even if he does get a bit on toe.”

While Johnson expects Substitute to benefit from the experience regardless of tonight’s result, she believes he has the ability to make his presence felt first-up.

“He’s my best of the night, I think he’ll put up a good run, and even if he doesn’t score he’ll certainly be one to keep an eye on moving forward.”

 

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by Jordyn Bublitz for Harness Racing New Zealand