After nine wins on the Tasman, 2025 was Wilkins’ first competitive riding in this country and despite only competing in the second half of the season, she achieved seven wins from 42 race day rides, with a very respectable UDR of .2910.
That momentum has continued into the new season.
Wilkins wasted little time in opening her account for the year, notching a winner at last week’s Tauherenikau meeting.
One of her top hopes today comes early in Race 2, the Congrats Wilson House Leading Junior Driver Mobile Pace (4:51 p.m.).
She is partnered by Stephen Doody-trained gelding Jahi, who is ideally positioned in barrier two.
“He’s actually one of my better prospects,” she said. “Now that he’s back in a smaller field and the likely leader (The Night Fox) has moved in, we should be able to jump right on the trail. He should get the perfect run and have every opportunity.”
In Race 3, Join The Turbos Syndicate Mobile Pace, Wilkins takes the reins of Get Set Party, a lightly raced mare resuming for trainer Scott Dickson. Although still relatively inexperienced, the mare appeals as a competitive type in an even match.
“She’s probably still working out her ringcraft, but the fields are all pretty flat,” Wilkins said. “Scotty does a great job with his horses, so if she finds the right run I’m sure she’ll be around there.”
Race 4 (5.55pm) presents what Wilkins considers her best chance of the day, with Two Jules, now trained by Chris Garlick.
The mare moves back from the Alexandra Park business to Palmerston North and has done well – factors Wilkins believes have been overlooked by the market.
“I think she went way too far,” she said. “Coming from Alexandra Park to Palmy is a huge setback and she has a good draw. She could do a few things wrong, but if we do things right she should be right.”
Wilkins wraps up her Race 5 commitments aboard the ever-reliable Bell Fire for trainer Chris Webber.
“He’s such a horsey horse,” she said. “I know Chris just likes being there.”
For full race entries, click here.
Through Jordyn Bublitz for Harness Racing New Zealand
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