Do not be surprised to see Terry Chmiel putting the hammer down with Going Going Gone in race 5 at Forbury Park tonight.
The Leeston driver and co-trainer was slightly disappointed with the mare's effort for sixth at Ashburton on Sunday when she failed to kick on from the trail behind G I Joe in a 2400m stand.
"I thought she should have run second or third but the race didn't suit her. It lacked a wee bit of speed,'' Chmiel said.
"They went 3.04 which isn't that quick for that grade of horse, and they came home [over the last 800m] in 56 seconds. It would have been better if they had gone 3 minutes or 2.58 and run home in 58 [sec].''
Tonight's 2200m mobile pace is in the same grade - c1 - but it appears to be a decent drop in quality for the 4yr-old, especially with her plum draw.
"It's a big drop in class for her and having drawn 1, I've really just got to lead. The one on our back will be hardest to beat, but we'll just have to outstay it.''
The Brett Gray-trained Better Go Hurry is the horse drawn behind Going Going Gone. The Merv and Meg Butterworth-owned 3yr-old is fresh-up tonight, but will be a threat with one run at his rivals.
Parramatta seems to be going the opposite way to his rugby league namesakes. He is keeping out of trouble, and rewarded his long-suffering fans with his first win in 19 months at Rangiora on Sunday.
"I've changed his work around a wee bit,'' Chmiel explained.
"He's got happier again and he's racing quite good. He's probably best when you don't use him and he's saved for his speed, really.''
The 5yr-old's draw of barrier 5 means Chmiel probably will not chase the gelding out of the gate anyway.
"I think the one of Brent White's [Cullens Lady] will lead because she pulls really hard.
"I'm picking it will lead and run along a bit, so hopefully we might just slot across and get in.''
Parramatta has the advantage of being drawn inside rivals Arden's Concord and Pat Campbell, while Mr Meddle is the only runner on the second line.
Real Dash made an impression with two wins from his first five starts over the summer, and has steadily improved with three recent workout runs.
"He's taken a wee bit to come up this time but his last trial was pretty good. He ran third but found the line really good.''
Barrier 9 is not ideal, but might suit the 3yr-old considering his lack of recent racing.
"He'll need to be sucked into it and have one crack at them but if he's not too far away turning for home, he shouldn't be too far away from it.''
Crafty Cullen (race 2) needs a scratching to get into the field, but will add to the puzzle from barrier 1 if he makes the field.
"He's no star, but if he got a start in that field, he would be a show. The racing should get him better.''
Tips from the talent
Matthew Williamson:
Silver Dale (Race 2, No 2)
Brad Williamson:
Pulling The Strings (Race 4, No 1)
Geoff Knight:
Silver Dale (Race 2, No 2)
Rory McIlwrick:
Elusive Flight (Race 10)
Nathan Williamson:
The Jinja Ninja (Race 6, No 9)
