Quirky pacer makes return at Ashburton today

[Wandering Eyes]

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk

A last start sixth behind Marketplace in a Group 1 on IRT New Zealand Cup day reads like good form for Sacetas heading into Ashburton today.

The Tom Bagrie-trained three-year-old is fresh up and a $1.70 favourite in Race 5, the Scenic Hotel Mobile Pace (4.40pm). He will be driven by Ricky May.  

As the highest-rated horse in the field he’s drawn the outside of the front row over the 1700 metre trip. He has won one from 10 so far.

“His work has been really good and we thought this is a nice wee race for him,” says Bagrie, “but he does have some quirks.”

The “quirks” he refers to have been some erratic behaviour at the trials in February. Twice he refused to play ball in the score up and was pulled up.

His manners were much improved in his most recent trial though when he finished fourth behind Kasarani, Crunch Time and Miki B just last Thursday.

“That last trial was really good,” says Bagrie, who was in the sulky at Rangiora.

“Fingers crossed there won’t be any hiccups coming up to the gate.”

“We are hoping for a good run with some good 3YO races coming up.”

Sacetas’ last start was in the Sires’ Stakes 2YO Colts and Geldings Final at Addington on Cup day. He was sixth that day with the Group 1 taken out by Marketplace who has gone on to stamp himself as a budding star. Also in the final were the likes of Rubira, Got The Chocolates, and Demon Blue.

Bagrie is upbeat about the chances of Hoof It Hagrid who is also fresh up in the Majestic Horse Floats Trot (2.54pm). He’s had just the three starts, winning on debut at Rangiora last year.

“He’s still learning his craft but he’s come back stronger and I would say he’s a really good chance.”

“At his most recent trial he was third behind Eurostyle and Father Time.”

The $4 favourite for the race is the Michael House-trained Koko Kaboom.

First race at Ashburton goes at 2.19pm. 

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