Matt Smith

Few horses have toiled as hard as John Henry Galleon between wins.

Amelia Denby might miss her chance to ride against a field of her female counterparts, but she is buzzing about Stormpatrol in open handicap company at Wingatui tomorrow.

Craig Buchan expects Sappy's Brite Star to get better with age - but that does not mean she cannot win at Forbury Park tonight.

Steve Allen knows as well as anyone how racing can deliver the highs and the lows, but the luck was in his favour at Forbury Park last Friday as Xmas In New York ended a 16-year drought for Allen as a trainer.

Ross Pettitt wonders what might have been with Aveross Rustler as a young horse, but he also knows how lucky he is to still have the 4yr-old gelding.

Ashburton trainer Colin Harrison is not minding his trips down State Highway 1 at the moment.

Eight Otago-trained horses will be flying the flag at the Harness Jewels two-day meeting at Ashburton on Queen's Birthday weekend.

As the dust settles on the major feature racing over spring, summer and autumn, and the wet-trackers come out to play, Matt Smith looks back at the six most exciting Otago gallopers to race during the warmer months - in a rough order.

A trainer with just two dogs took on the might of the larger kennels at Forbury Park yesterday - and won.

One Harness Jewels hopeful reigned supreme at Oamaru yesterday, while others left their run just a little late.

Pretty Sunday all but confirmed a place in the Harness Jewels at Ashburton next month after winning stylishly at Addington last night.

Ballindooley is entering the big boys' league - as his co-trainer puts it - when he tackles the $17,500 Winter Cup at Addington tonight.