He thinks that most of his horses can handle grass, but that for some horses the sprint can be blunted by a wet track.
Arma-bos (On the coast) runs to the stable in Race Two.
“He’ll get there. I still think he’s a few steps away. I was going to go to the training sessions but the Club was a bit light on numbers so I threw him in there to support the meeting,” Gray said.
In her last start the three-year-old filly was Havtimfordiamonds (Art major) was wide early and then stayed parked before disappearing on the flight home. She draws six in Race Four.
“We gave her a few days off after that run. She worked really well. She’s a small Art Major mare, so when it’s really wet it can take a little bit of the speed out of her.”
That of Daisymeroll (What the hill) has had two career starts without winning a spot. This time she had one test. She starts on the outside of the unruly in Race Five.
“She had a nice little test recently. She’s still a work in progress, but she’s firmed up a bit. The power is there, she just has to show it on race day.”
In race seven Jackka Ace (Father Patrick) takes his place for Gray. He broke on his last start at the Northern Southland meeting.
“I’m happy with his work and Dan (junior rider Dan Anderson) has tested him a bit, so hopefully he’ll be right.”
Nine-year-old gelding The Big Lebowski (Mach Three) is starting to take shape again. He shares the 30 meter deficit in the Carriers Arms Hotel Riverton Cup.
“He did great last time and he likes the grass. I think he needs it to be a bit firmer and not too wet. A wet track can take the speed out of him.”
Jac Jim (Father Patrick) was impressive when he won on debut but blew to pieces on his next start at Cromwell. He lines up in Race Ten and starts at the unruly point in the ten meter handicap.
“They were standing around Cromwell a bit. He’s just learning the game. He’s a horse with enormous ability, he’s our best choice.”
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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