He takes three good chances at the Reefton meeting, including Deceptive Lee in the feature, the $25,000 Rosco Contractors Reefton Cup over 2500 metres.
“He seems pretty progressive,” coach David Mitchell said.
Deceptive Lee has not raced since winning at Addington in September, but has attended training.
“His last training at Methven was good and a bit of form came from that.”
It’s going to be tough for his seven-year-old son Captain treacherous who is 20 meters away and faces race-hardened horses such as Teds Legacy, Westport Cup winner Hacksaw Ridge and second day winner Smoke On The Water.
However, Deceptive Lee has won twice in a new state, as well as winning once and placing once from three starts at the Reefton circuit.
“The small field negates his handicap a bit.”
Click to see the Reefton Cup field here
In race 3, the MS Moore Contracting Mobile Pace over 2450 meters, debutant Liberty Girl will take her place. After qualifying in November, she has been back to training a few times since, with her most recent effort suggesting she would have a strong chance of making the top three.
“After she qualified, I didn’t think we would be here, but she has made a lot of progress and her last training was promising.”
Starting from barrier two today, Liberty Girl has shown real gate speed and should be able to cross early and secure an economical run.
“She may lack a little ringcraft, but she’s traveled well here.”
Resurgamas starts in Race 4, the Paul Cutbush Memorial Pace over 2000 meters. The full brother of Lazarus has yet to win after five starts, but is still making progress.
“He’s a bit 50/50 in terms of running. If he could get away with them on par, he should be around there.”
After missing the score it was a huge recovery to finish as close as last time in Oamaru so good manners will need to be on display today.
“He came home well after messing up at the start. If it all comes together he should win one or two.”
Junior rider Gemma Thornley will pilot all three runners.
Race one starts at 12:18 p.m.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Mike Lovefor Harness Racing New Zealand
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