No rest for newly crowned champion House

Newly-crowned Australasian Young Drivers Champion Wilson House heads to Ashburton today fresh off the back of his win in the AYDC which wrapped up on Cup Day.

House has nine drives today with three in single figures – the first of those is Annie Oakley ($5.50FF) in Race 3, the Majestic Horse Floats Mobile Pace (2.58pm) over 1700m.

Trained by father, Michael House, the three-year-old Downbytheseaside filly has yet to taste defeat at her trials going two from two. Drawn one looks good on paper, but House has some concerns around Annie Oakley being able to hold her position from there.

“We will be back on the fence. But she has a motor, and her trials have been really good. We gave her time to get over that, and she’s trained through really well. We are happy with her.” 

Robert and Jenna Dunn have the shortest priced favourite of the day, Valorous ($1.95FF), in the event, and she looks a good chance second-up, while the likes of Always Take King ($15.00FF), Don’t Be A Stranger ($13.00FF) and Miki Magnificent ($6.00FF) will go around at attractive odds.

Rogue Wave ($6.50FF), in Race 4, The Pendene Farm Ltd Mobile Pace (3.29pm) over 1700m, will be looking to get around a bit cleaner today.

The well-bred gelding has placed twice from four starts, with the most recent at Winton where House says he just struggled a bit on the bends.

“He lay out really bad around Winton, so hopefully he handles the track better today, and if he does he’ll go a good race.” 

House then needs to wait until Brookies Player ($9.50FF) in Race 13, the Molly And John Rodgers Memorial Mobile Pace (7.50pm) over 1700m for his final single figure chance.

“He’ll have a good chance. He’s so honest and loves the distance.”

Brookies Player has placed close to 40 times, to go with his 13 career wins, while winning once and placing eight times from 11 attempts over the distance.

House also drives :

Race 1 (2.05pm) – Sweet Willow ($12FF)
Race 2 (2.32pm) – The Royal Pudding ($19FF)
Race 5 (3.54pm) – Della’s Fella ($12FF)
Race 9 (5.54pm) – Start Me Up ($35FF)
Race 10 (6.25pm) – Betterthanbabe ($10FF)
Race 11 (6.50pm) – Artful Bromac ($19FF)

 

For complete race entries, click here.

by Mike Love, for Harness Racing New Zealand