The c1 trot grade in Canterbury and Otago is not short of numbers late in the 2013-14 season, and that's reflected by the strong field lining up in race 8 at Oamaru tomorrow. Matt Smith talks to the connections of five of the leading chances.
Prestine
''She's a pretty handy horse,'' Butt said.
''She's still learning the trade but she's got a fair bit of ability and her work's pretty good this week.''
''She has got the ability to win a few races.''
The filly has had just the four starts on race day, although the wide barrier draw of 14 should help her behind the tapes.
''She's not had a lot of time racing in a field, but she was pretty good last start.''
Butt feels the 3yr-old's best attribute at this early stage is her strength and stamina.
''She's a pretty good stayer - for her age, she's doing a pretty good job.''
Idle Conn
''He's still a work in progress. but he's getting round every time he runs,'' she said.
''I'll be surprised if he's not in the first four.''
Healy tweaked with his shoeing when he arrived from owner-breeder Mike Austin six weeks ago.
''In all fairness, he might have lost a little bit with me trying to keep him shod right.
''I've just got to get him to work out where to put his feet.''
Healy reported all was well after his third at Timaru on Sunday.
''All going well, he should be a pretty good chance.''
Father Christmas
''It was a good run [at Rangiora].
''He seems to be getting better as he gets more chances.''
Williamson said the 3yr-old was checked at Rangiora when Prestine broke which adds more credence to his third placing.
''That cost him couple of lengths at a vital stage ... but he was still running on at the finish.''
Father Christmas remains on the unruly, but this week will be a big help after the trotters on the unruly in the Rangiora race were hindered by the 10m tape.
''But they'll be able to walk forward so that will suit him more.''
I've Got This
Matt Purvis feels under no extra pressure when he sits behind I've Got This.
Purvis drove the Robert Dunn-trained Love You 3yr-old to his second career win from just five starts when successful at Timaru on Sunday, providing his father, John, with a win as an owner and a breeder.
Purvis also does all the work with the 3yr-old and said I've Got This would be put into the race at some stage.
''He's going to be a good stayer when he's older - he's just learning the ropes.
''As long as there's a bit of speed really, he'll be mooching around like he has been.''
Dream Big
One last-start winner who might be tested by his first start in the c1 grade is Dream Big, his trainer, Murray Tapper, said.
''I imagine the jump up in grade might be a bit much for him,'' Tapper said.
''He may take a race or two in that grade to adjust to the speed.
''If he could run third or fourth, I'd be pretty happy with that.''
