The thirteen-race program starts just before noon with large open fields the order of the day.
The highlight of the day is the Paul Renwick Joinery Motukarara Christmas Cup (4.03pm), where Hanrahan-trained Tanzania will be one of many chances.
The Rock N Roll heaven The five-year-old won the race last year and goes into today’s event in good form having finished two seconds in his last two starts behind the likes of It’s Tough and The Lazarus Effect.
“He has put the last few runs behind him, but he won’t be able to do that today,” says Hanrahan.
For $9.50 and $3.30 Tanzania leaves 10 meters away for driver John Morrison.
“There are so many chances in races like this, but he looks good and has a chance,” said Hanrahan.
Audacity is currently the favorite at $5, followed by Kiss The Girls at $6.
In the next race, the Liquorland Prebbleton Mobile Pace (4.37pm), Hanrahan’s other runner on the day Mighty Flying Lou is a $2.90 favorite for driver Gerard O’Reilly.
The Dear Lou The four-year-old has had two seconds and a third in his last three starts and has a good draw on five today.
“He is racing very well and deserves to be the favorite,” says Hanrahan.
He has three placings from three starts on grass.
“The circuit will be in excellent condition, I’m sure,” says Hanrahan, “and with 13 races it will be their biggest day of the year.”
On this day, the country’s best junior drivers, Wilson House and Carter Dalgety, will once again compete against each other.
With just two days left in the season, one win separates them at the top of the premiership, with House on 91 wins and Dalgety on 90.
Both have busy days ahead, with House having a total of eleven rides, ten of which are for his father Michael.
He is currently the favorite of the pair, winning the premiership at $1.70 and Dalgety at $2.
Among their duals today will be the Famous Grouse Hotel Junior Drivers Race at 2.25pm. Dalgety will pilot $3.60 favorite Henry Winkler.
To see today’s fields click here
By means of Dave Di SommaHarness News Desk
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