Racing: Wynne rates Abell Road

Samantha Wynne.
Samantha Wynne.
The lack of a claim is not slowing down leading South Island apprentice jockey Samantha Wynne as she prepares for 14 rides over the next three days.

Wynne outrode her apprentice claim late last season when she scored aboard Placid Princess at Waterlea in April to bring up 100 career wins.

The rides can dry up for apprentices once they no longer have the carrot of weight relief to dangle in front of trainers, but Wynne - who now has 122 wins to her name - has five rides at Winton today and another nine at Cromwell on Sunday.

''We've had it quiet since Cup Week so it's good to get back at it again,'' Wynne said.

''A lot of people are staying loyal to me which I appreciate. I'm trying to keep my head down and keep working hard because I have to do that.''

Wynne is tempted to tip 29-start maiden Whatwasthat (race 1) as her best chance at tonight's twilight meeting, but has opted for the Les Didham-trained Abell Road (race 4) as the pick of her rides for the six-race meeting.

Wynne rode the Coats Choice gelding twice on race day in February, but has been reunited with the 5yr-old this month.

''I galloped him the other day for Jumbo [Didham] and he galloped well,'' she said.

''He's been down at Terry Kennedy's since Monday and apparently he's done well.

''He went a great race at Motukarara after a good trial, so hopefully he's better this time in.''

Wynne is determined to pick up a win with Whatwasthat for Wingatui trainer Jim Burns and has a sneaking suspicion it could be today.

''I think tomorrow is his day - I know he has a bad draw but he's against a pretty green field, so ringcraft will get him through it tomorrow,'' Wynne said.

''I'll try not to use him up too early and hopefully finish off.''

Whatwasthat ended up in front at Wingatui but was hauled in late to finish third.

Similar tactics are possible at Winton, even with the son of Iffraaj drawing the outside barrier in the 10-horse field.

''[Winton] is a front-runner's track which will suit him - I think the hill at Wingatui has caught him out a couple of times.''

I Don't Know (race 1) should appreciate the step up to 1600m after being slow away at Gore last week.

''He's improving the whole time and he had a lot to learn.

''He missed the kick at Gore which wasn't good because you can't really do that there. He ran on good and found the line well.

''He's definitely an each-way chance and one to look out for the future.''

Bingo Benny (race 5) is a first starter for Winton trainer Leda Beck, and Wynne expects the familiar surroundings to help, while Doctor Eden (race 4) is a good chance if he settles over the longer trip.

Wynne's nine rides at Cromwell on Sunday are headlined by Them Or Us (race 3) and Rapt (race 8).

''Rapt will improve heaps from her last run, as she really needed it.''

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