NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club Inc
Thursday, 20 February
- Race Number:
- Race 1
- Race Time:
IRT. YOUR HORSE. OUR PASSION. HANDICAP TROT
$17,000, R35 TO R49 DISCRETIONARY, 2600m
For R35 to R49 trotters.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 528047 | Penelope Hall | 1 | Ft | John Versteeg | Honest mare who tends to get into a good spot. Can sneak into First4s late. |
| 2 |  | 030566 | Take After Me | 2 | Ft | Ross Houghton | Bit more reliable in the gait recently. Been a while since a win though. Combos. |
| 3 |  | 745884 | Opawa Peak | 3 | Ft | Kyle Cameron | Tried hard at Motukarara after landing in the trail. Deeper field. Rough odds. |
| 4 |  | 4X000D | Aldebaran Crystal | U1 | Ft | Samantha Ottley | Good after error last week but got things wrong for too long. Win or bust. |
| 5 |  | 490XP0 | Downtown Orlando | U2 | Ft | Ray Jenkins | Broke late at 12 Feb trials after mid-race error here 31 Jan. Not for us. |
| 6 |  | X80040 | Millie Let Loose | 1 | 10 | John Morrison | Early effort may have told at Oamaru 02 Feb. 22 Jan 4th had merit. First4s. |
| 7 |  | 549443 | Judy J | 2 | 10 | Sheree Tomlinson | Didn't flinch here 07 Feb in similar grade. Back 10m but should be a threat. |
| 8 |  | 43213P | Brianna | 3 | 10 | Lawrence McCormick | Rare early error last week. Great form prior to that. Can bounce back from 10m. |
| 9 |  | 967405 | Here Comes Jane | 4 | 10 | Peter Davis | Held on for 12 Feb trial win since mixed summer efforts. Can sneak a placing. |
| 10 |  | 010162 | Kawhi | 5 | 10 | Blair Orange | Gritty 2nd last week & may find this grade a touch easier. A key contender. |
| 11 |  | 361319 | Bluey | 6 | 10 | Sam Thornley(J) | Didn't have all favours early on Sunday. Placed in only look here. Has claims. |
| 12 |  | 80X364 | Moses | 7 | 10 | Gerard O'Reilly | Returned to racing in solid fettle. Worked hard here 07 Feb. Not the worst. |
| 13 |  | 453928 | Grettymac | U1 | 10 | Kimberly Butt | Great on day 1 at Richmond. Freshened since 12 Jan 8th. Don't underestimate. |
| Best Bets: Kawhi (10), Grettymac (13), Judy J (7), Brianna (8) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Here Comes Jane (2-04.6), Penelope Hall (2-05.3), Kawhi (2-05.4) [races between 2401m and 2799m] | |||||||
| Star Trialist: Here Comes Jane - 1st of 5, Ashburton, 12/02/25, 2400m Stand , WnrsTime: 3-12.2, 800m: 60.6, 400m: 28.2, Margins: neck, 4 len, 1 len. | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Aldebaran Crystal (4): BL-Off Legend | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 2
- Race Time:
BOOK NOW FOR THE TEAM TEAL FUNDRAISER 14TH MARCH MOBILE PACE
$16,000, NON-WINNERS 3YO & OLDER, 1980m
For 3yo-&-older pacers.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 874P77 | Loveyourmother | 1 | Ft | John Dunn | Looking likely before locking wheels last week. Same draw. Combos claims. |
| 2 |  | 434280 | Lochdarragh | 2 | Ft | Tim Williams | Took himself out of play early last Friday. Manners not quite there. Place. |
| 3 |  | 4 | Tosana | 3 | Ft | Samantha Ottley | Did nothing wrong on debut & only better for that outing. Combos spice. |
| 4 |  | 83 | Ready To Dream | 4 | Ft | Craig Ferguson | Tried hard in front 07 Feb. Gate speed possible from same draw. Has claims. |
| 5 |  | Elusive Dreams | 5 | Ft | Bob Butt | Qualified well here in November. Slashing 4th 13 Feb trials. Expect bold debut. | |
| 6 |  | 3 | Here Comes Marty | 6 | Ft | Robbie Close | Plenty of support on debut 07 Feb & went close. Sure to be well backed again. |
| 7 |  | 303343 | Jena | 7 | Ft | Blair Orange | Powerful 3rd here last week. May need to emply gate speed again. Each way. |
| Best Bets: Elusive Dreams (5), Ready To Dream (4), Here Comes Marty (6), Jena (7) | |||||||
| Star Trialist: Elusive Dreams - 1st of 8, NZ Metro, 06/11/24, 2000m Mobile, WnrsTime: 2-28.9, 800m: 58.4, 400m: 29.5, Margins: neck, 4 3/4len, 1 1/2len. | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Lochdarragh (2): RD-On Legend | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 3
- Race Time:
WOODLANDS STUD THANKS BUYERS HANDICAP PACE
$17,000, R40 TO R54 SPECIAL, 2600m
For R40 to R54 pacers. Front: R40 to R50. 10m: R51 to R54.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 941856 | Stephs Boy | 1 | Ft | Bob Butt | Run down after early work last Friday. Rare stand start tonight. First4s. |
| 2 |  | 806265 | Major Henry | 2 | Ft | Samantha Ottley | Felt the pinch late after leading for last lap 14 Feb. Wider ratings band. Place |
| 3 | | 354193 | Style Council | 3 | Ft | Kyle Cameron | Campaign back on track with last week's 3rds. Should settle handy. EW. |
| 4 |  | 700700 | Franco Messi | 4 | Ft | Robbie Holmes | Yet to fire a solid shot over summer. Quiet trial 13 Feb. Take on trust. |
| 5 |  | 291202 | Seaside Pond | 5 | Ft | Kimberly Butt | Dashed home for 2nd last week. Forget Methven failure. A major player here. |
| 6 |  | 721134 | Biggles | 6 | Ft | Ricky May | Done a superb job so far in 2025. Gets a grade that suits again. Each way hope. |
| 7 |  | 332X55 | Peraki Seelster | 7 | Ft | Tim Williams | Nothing wrong with his two starts back. Goes OK from a stand start. Combos. |
| 8 |  | 468468 | Taumutu Lad | 8 | Ft | Sam Thornley(J) | Still finding feet since late Nov maiden win. Seeking first stand start placing. |
| 9 |  | 705621 | Country Gold | 1 | 10 | John Dunn | Beat a wide ratings band at Rangiora. Slides back 10m but not the worst. |
| 10 |  | 720100 | Just Holla | 2 | 10 | Blair Orange | Battling efforts off 20m and 15m in last two runs. Edges closer here. First4s. |
| 11 |  | P61261 | Lonnekers | 3 | 10 | Ross Cameron | Compiling smart record. Learned plenty since 22 Sep stand start error. Danger. |
| Best Bets: Seaside Pond (5), Lonnekers (11), Biggles (6), Style Council (3) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Major Henry (2-02.0), Biggles (2-02.2), Country Gold (2-02.3) [races between 2401m and 2799m] | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Peraki Seelster (7): SL-On Legend | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 4
- Race Time:
GARRARDS MOBILE PACE
$21,000, 3YO & OLDER R51 TO R60, 1980m
For R51 to R60 3yo-&-older pacers. Preferential Barrier Draw Based on: Rating then Winning Stakes using the track grid.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 241212 | Kairaki Delight | 1 | Ft | ||
| 2 |  | 341459 | Commander Joe | 2 | Ft | Kimberly Butt | Well beaten in hot trial 29 Jan. Form dropped away in late 2024. Upset claims. |
| 3 | | 411246 | Ari On Safari | 3 | Ft | Gerard O'Reilly | Thereabouts since his pair of wins in December. Can land midfield. Combos. |
| 4 |  | 405711 | Pioneer | 4 | Ft | John Morrison | Found his feet tremendously in two February starts. Up in grade here. First4s. |
| 5 |  | 235122 | Outback Man | 5 | Ft | Tim Williams | Strong effort near the speed last Friday. Capable of repeating tactics. Threat. |
| 6 | | 626044 | Betterthancash | 6 | Ft | Craig Ferguson | Taking a while to get back to form but last week's 4th was sharper. Keep safe. |
| 7 |  | 132194 | Bazooka | 7 | Ft | Samantha Ottley | Noticeable drop in grade from 24 Jan 4th. Nice 3rd 13 Feb trials. Bright hope. |
| 8 |  | 116328 | Sky Rocket | 8 | Ft | Robbie Close | Didn't enjoy the stand start 14 Feb. Has blazing gate speed. Keep onside. |
| 9 | | 09X797 | Black Mach | 9 | Ft | Sam Thornley(J) | Battled away in stronger grade last week. Tested from this wide alley too. |
| ---------------------------- Second Line ---------------------------- | |||||||
| 10 |  | 721X11 | Midnight Miki | 10 | Ft | Blair Orange | Returned in classy form. Draw the main concern, but look for him late. |
| 11 | | 071148 | Follow Your Dream | 11 | Ft | John Dunn | Had no luck last week & previous form in 2025 has been impressive. Combos. |
| Best Bets: Bazooka (7), Midnight Miki (10), Betterthancash (6), Outback Man (5) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Follow Your Dream (1-53.8), Bazooka (1-55.9), Midnight Miki (1-56.0) [races less or equal 2000m] | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 5
- Race Time:
NORWOOD FARM MACHINERY HANDICAP TROT
$21,000, R60 & FASTER DISCRETIONARY, 2600m
For R60 & faster trotters.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 6X6941 | Roydon Muscle | 1 | Ft | Sam Thornley(J) | Did the job in front last week. Takes on some big guns here. Trifectas/First4s. |
| 2 |  | 051115 | Premium Player | 2 | Ft | Gavin Smith | Earnest attempt last week in first run since Coast heroics. First4s preferred. |
| 3 | | 967405 | Here Comes Jane | 3 | Ft | ||
| 4 |  | 122132 | Regal Sierra | U1 | Ft | ||
| 5 | | 164253 | Maui | U1 | 10 | Lawrence McCormick | Steady attempt behind Masterly last week. 10m may work out OK. Place. |
| 6 |  | 344232 | Midnight Dash | 1 | 25 | Ben Hope | As reliable as effort chasing One Over All recently. Handicap helps. Danger. |
| 7 |  | 218538 | Mystic Max | 2 | 25 | Blair Orange | Not at his best at Omakau. Stoic 2nd 12 Feb trials since. Can bounce back. |
| 8 | | 374111 | One Over All | 1 | 40 | ||
| Best Bets: Mystic Max (7), Midnight Dash (6) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Midnight Dash (1-59.6), Roydon Muscle (2-03.2), Mystic Max (2-04.0) [races between 2401m and 2799m] | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 6
- Race Time:
THE PENINSULAR BEACHFRONT RESORT - MOOLOOLABA HANDICAP PACE
$23,000, R70 & FASTER DISCRETIONARY, 2600m
For R70 & faster pacers.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | 133983 | Commander Ben | 1 | Ft | Kimberly Butt | Arrested form slide with tidy 3rd here last week. Can produce similar tonight. |
| 2 |  | 014373 | Built For Glory | 2 | Ft | Tim Williams | Good recovery after error at Winton. Stand start the query, but has claims. |
| 3 | | 116824 | Vessem | 3 | Ft | Blair Orange | Huge 4th at Motukarar 29 Dec. Derby 2nd was outstanding. Can go close. |
| 4 |  | X02441 | Next Level | U1 | Ft | ||
| 5 |  | 238464 | Franco Marek | 1 | 10 | John Morrison | 4th in NZ FFA 3 starts back. Loves stand starts. Should chew up 10m. Win hope. |
| 6 |  | 825214 | One Change | 1 | 20 | Bob Butt | Run didn't pan out at Oamaru but fought well. Look for him late off 20m. |
| Best Bets: Vessem (3), Franco Marek (5), One Change (6), Built For Glory (2) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Franco Marek (1-59.6), One Change (2-01.7), Commander Ben (2-02.0) [races between 2401m and 2799m] | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Franco Marek (5): SL-Off Legend | |||||||
| Horse Movements: One Change to Brent & Tim White at Ashburton Raceway | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 7
- Race Time:
ROAD METALS TROT
$19,000, R52 TO R56, 2600m
For R52 to R56 trotters.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 537146 | One El | 1 | Ft | Jim Curtin | Lost no admirers with sound 6th last week. Similar company here. Has claims. |
| 2 | | 911060 | MM Sunshine | 2 | Ft | Robbie Holmes | Mid-race error in the trail last week. Just OK course stats too. Take on trust. |
| 3 | | 554611 | Torvi | 3 | Ft | Ricky May | Up in grade after stylish repeat wins in Feb. 2 placings from 5 starts here. EW. |
| 4 |  | 163767 | Sunny Louis | 4 | Ft | Blair Orange | Copped a mid-race check last week. Middling form prior since 24 Jan 3rd. First4s |
| 5 |  | 651152 | Vertigo | 5 | Ft | Lawrence McCormick | Chased well in R52-59 field last week for 2nd. Can step & be a major factor. |
| 6 | | 824024 | Royal Del | 6 | Ft | Sam Thornley(J) | Six-time winner here. Did it tough last week but capable of bouncing back. |
| 7 | | 08X421 | Port Pegasus | 7 | Ft | John Morrison | Got the job done in front at Timaru. This looks more testing. Combos claims. |
| 8 |  | 216925 | Holly Highlander | 8 | Ft | Sheree Tomlinson | Sat parked for first 1800m here last week. Rangiora 2nd was sharp. In the mix. |
| 9 |  | 505344 | Cormoran Strike | 9 | Ft | Robbie Close | Back in grade after earnest 4th last week. Doesn't mind this distance either. |
| 10 | | 326041 | Mavis Jones | U1 | Ft | Ben Hope | Impressive R45-50 win last week. Work to do in new grade off unruly. Place. |
| 11 |  | 531093 | Ready Set Jet | U2 | Ft | Bob Butt | Bit more like his old self with last week's 3rd. Just needs to step to threaten. |
| Best Bets: Vertigo (5), Ready Set Jet (11), Royal Del (6), Holly Highlander (8) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Royal Del (2-03.9), One El (2-04.6), Mavis Jones (2-04.8) [races between 2401m and 2799m] | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 8
- Race Time:
BETAVET PACE
$16,000, NON-WINNERS 3YO & OLDER, 2600m
For 3yo-&-older pacers.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 3335 | Nila Maree | 1 | Ft | Blair Orange | No luck in the running at Rangiora. Right in the fight prior. Consider tonight. |
| 2 | | 48 | Maxi Jazz | 2 | Ft | ||
| 3 | | 904568 | Quicker Than Quick | 3 | Ft | Sam Thornley(J) | Held on for 12 Feb trial win in OK time. Fair efforts in last campaign. First4s. |
| 4 |  | 205632 | Troubleshooter | 4 | Ft | Gerard O'Reilly | Edged closer in last two grass starts. Yet to place on all-weather. Combos. |
| 5 |  | 0 | Artistic Nugget | 5 | Ft | John Morrison | Run down late at Saturday's workouts since error on debut. Rough claims. |
| 6 |  | 27X375 | Beverley Courtney | 6 | Ft | Craig Ferguson | Handy attempts in 2 of 3 starts this time in. Should get away OK. Combos. |
| 7 | | Passchendaele | 7 | Ft | Bob Butt | Looked sharp since qualifying at Oamaru. Easy 13 Feb trial win. Win prospect. | |
| 8 |  | 562638 | Royal Belle | 8 | Ft | Kerry Hadfield | Mid-race error 07 Feb but tidy efforts previously. Add to place options. |
| Best Bets: Passchendaele (7), Nila Maree (1), Troubleshooter (4), Royal Belle (8) | |||||||
| Star Trialist: Passchendaele - 1st of 2, N Otago HR, 03/07/24, 2000m Mobile, WnrsTime: 2-31.7, 800m: 57.2, Margins: 1 1/2len. | |||||||
| Gear Changes: Beverley Courtney (6): BL-On Legend | |||||||
- Race Number:
- Race 9
- Race Time:
GOLD BAND TAXIS MOBILE PACE
$19,500, 3YO & OLDER R40 TO R50, 1980m
For R40 to R50 3yo-&-older pacers. Preferential Barrier Draw Based on: Rating then Winning Stakes using the track grid.
| Book | Form | Name | Draw | Hcp | Driver | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 099058 | Lord Mudrick | 1 | Ft | Chris Butt | Nice when out late last week. Stronger field here, but include in First4s. |
| 2 |  | 787132 | Sofia Rose | 2 | Ft | Samantha Ottley | Massive 2nd-equal last week. Much kinder draw but deeper field. Keep safe. |
| 3 | | 286671 | Social Distancing | 3 | Ft | Robbie Close | Stayed near speed to win at Rangiora. Win or bust at Addington though. Odds, |
| 4 | | 360856 | Don Juan | 4 | Ft | Riley Harrison(J) | Fair 7th in smart trial since unlucky Rangiora 6th. May be over the odds. |
| 5 | | 180868 | Dancing Desire | 5 | Ft | Sam Thornley(J) | Down on her best form since Nov win but may find this suitable. Keep onside. |
| 6 |  | 17 | Selsey Anne | 6 | Ft | ||
| 7 |  | 1 | Chocolate Crunch | 7 | Ft | ||
| 8 |  | 4412 | American Blaze | 8 | Ft | Wilson House(J) | Caught the eye at Rangiora. Lands in same barrier draw. Look for him late. |
| 9 | | 434X1 | The Bettor Deal | 9 | Ft | Blair Orange | Had every excuse to get beaten here 07 Feb but too smart. Top pick again. |
| ---------------------------- Second Line ---------------------------- | |||||||
| 10 | | 112233 | Bettor Be Sharp | 10 | Ft | Gerard O'Reilly | A super-consistent 6-year-old. Draw does him no favours. Combos must. |
| 11 |  | 199856 | Sweet Tartan | U1 | Ft | John Morrison | Warmed up out wide here lats week. This is a more challenging grade. Odds. |
| 12 | | 280475 | Munroe's Mate | U2 | Ft | Sheree Tomlinson | Mixed bag on his Central Otago trip. Caught late 12 Feb trials. Rough claims. |
| Best Bets: The Bettor Deal (9), American Blaze (8), Sofia Rose (2) | |||||||
| Best Mile Rates: Dancing Desire (1-55.5), American Blaze (1-57.6), Sofia Rose (1-58.3) [races less or equal 2000m] | |||||||
Runner Index
Aldebaran Crystal - Race 1
American Blaze - Race 9
Ari On Safari - Race 4
Artistic Nugget - Race 8
Bazooka - Race 4
Betterthancash - Race 4
Bettor Be Sharp - Race 9
Beverley Courtney - Race 8
Biggles - Race 3
Black Mach - Race 4
Bluey - Race 1
Brianna - Race 1
Built For Glory - Race 6
Chocolate Crunch - Race 9
Commander Ben - Race 6
Commander Joe - Race 4
Cormoran Strike - Race 7
Country Gold - Race 3
Dancing Desire - Race 9
Don Juan - Race 9
Downtown Orlando - Race 1
Elusive Dreams - Race 2
Follow Your Dream - Race 4
Franco Marek - Race 6
Franco Messi - Race 3
Grettymac - Race 1
Here Comes Marty - Race 2
Holly Highlander - Race 7
Jena - Race 2
Judy J - Race 1
Just Holla - Race 3
Kairaki Delight - Race 4
Kawhi - Race 1
Lochdarragh - Race 2
Lonnekers - Race 3
Lord Mudrick - Race 9
Loveyourmother - Race 2
Major Henry - Race 3
Maui - Race 5
Mavis Jones - Race 7
Maxi Jazz - Race 8
Midnight Dash - Race 5
Midnight Miki - Race 4
Millie Let Loose - Race 1
MM Sunshine - Race 7
Moses - Race 1
Munroe's Mate - Race 9
Mystic Max - Race 5
Next Level - Race 6
Nila Maree - Race 8
One Change - Race 6
One El - Race 7
One Over All - Race 5
Opawa Peak - Race 1
Outback Man - Race 4
Passchendaele - Race 8
Penelope Hall - Race 1
Peraki Seelster - Race 3
Pioneer - Race 4
Port Pegasus - Race 7
Premium Player - Race 5
Quicker Than Quick - Race 8
Ready Set Jet - Race 7
Ready To Dream - Race 2
Regal Sierra - Race 5
Royal Belle - Race 8
Royal Del - Race 7
Roydon Muscle - Race 5
Seaside Pond - Race 3
Selsey Anne - Race 9
Sky Rocket - Race 4
Social Distancing - Race 9
Sofia Rose - Race 9
Stephs Boy - Race 3
Style Council - Race 3
Sunny Louis - Race 7
Sweet Tartan - Race 9
Take After Me - Race 1
Taumutu Lad - Race 3
The Bettor Deal - Race 9
Torvi - Race 7
Tosana - Race 2
Troubleshooter - Race 8
Vertigo - Race 7
Vessem - Race 6