Poutama heads to Cambridge with “big team”

[Wandering Eyes]

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk   

Pukekohe-based trainer Andre Poutama is hopeful he’s got a couple of decent prospects at Cambridge today.

He’ll drive three of his own – Light O Love (R1), St John Eight (R4) and Desert Dawn (R7) – as well as Emily Bay for trainer Ival Brownlee (R6).

“That’s a big team for me,” laughs Poutama, “and there are some good top three or each way chances there.”

He opens his day with last start winner Light O Love in Race 1, the Off the Track Food and Bev Trot (4.24pm).

The Father Patrick four-year-old had her first win at her 10th career start at Cambridge on March 25.

“She always does everything right so she gives herself a chance,” says Poutama, “and I’ve put blinds on today to sharpen her up.”

She’s currently a $4.40 third favourite.

In Race 4, the Hidden Lake Hotel Mobile Pace, St John Eight ($4.50) is another well-backed runner for Poutama.

“He trialled well last Thursday and it just depends on whether he wants to try or not.”

The Always B Miki four-year-old was well supported in his opening two races in Canterbury before having a fourth and fifth in two starts in the north for Poutama.

“He’s certainly good enough to get a maiden win.”

The Brownlee-trained Emily Bay, who will start in Race 6, the Betavet Buildagut Handicap Trot (6.54pm), was “disappointing in her last couple of starts”, according to Poutama.

She was a bit unlucky though in her last start fourth, after being held up by stablemate Bangkok Betty at Cambridge on March 25.

“She trialled good last Thursday and if she trots she’s a definite each way chance,” says Poutama.

Rounding out Poutama’s day will be Desert Dawn in Race 7, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Mobile Pace (7.21pm).

The four-race winner is a regular in amateur drivers’ races in the north though his last start was an eighth in the Dorothy Cutts Invitational as part of Cambridge’s Night of Champions on April 4. 

Poutama isn’t upbeat about his chances but says at $19 and $3.70 he’s “a bit of a gold coin job.”

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