Racing: Butcher closing in on goal

Zac Butcher moved closer to realising his ambition when he drove his 98th winner for the season at Forbury Park last night.

"I want to get to the 100 for the season and beat dad," Butcher said.

The 21-year-old leading junior driver, from Auckland, drew level with his father, David, with his win on El Magic last night.

Zac rates Spirit And Desire (race 7) one of his best prospects at Alexandra Park tonight.

"She has got the ability and could manage a big step up," he said. He has driven the 3yr-old filly in her two wins including a last-start success in a smart 2.42.2 for 2200m (mobile) at Alexandra Park.

El Magic is among nine horses Foxton trainer Peter Scaife is campaigning at Forbury Park meetings this month. The 5yr-old mare is raced by stable employee Natasha Baird.

• Junior driver Matthew Williamson and his trainer father, Phil, marked their birthdays yesterday by winning with Duke Of The Moment.

Matthew turned 22 and Phil 57.

It was the 76th win of the season for Matthew and the 28th training success of the season for Phil.

• Stylish Monarch resumed work with Murray Tapper at Levels on Wednesday.

The well-performed trotter was put aside in April with leg problems. He has not raced since February when he finished second in the Dullard Cup at Melton, taking his stake earnings to $499,819. He won an Interdominion heat at Ballarat, his 16th win.

Stylish Monarch had minor filling in a front leg, then injured a hind leg.

Phil's Gift and Not Likely, Tapper-trained horses who contested the Harness Jewels, have returned home and will spell for six weeks.