Esmeralda ready to tackle Akatea’s dominance

[Wandering Eyes]

Ashburton trainer Gerard O’Reilly will be looking to turn the tables on Akatea ($2.60FF) in the inaugural running of the Silk Road Series Final tonight at Addington Raceway with his mare Esmeralda.

The four-year-old Always B Miki mare has compiled a sound record to date — winning four from nine and placing a further four times. Her most recent victory at Addington over 2600m showcased her tenacity and strength after being pressured a few times during the running. “She’s handling all the racing really well,” said O’Reilly.

But they have yet to beat home race rival and close second favourite Akatea, who is gunning for five wins in a row — a feat achieved only by great horses. “Akatea has been too good for us the last few times. It will be hard to beat,” said O’Reilly of their race rival.

Esmeralda and Akatea have met twice in their careers. “She’s got enough gate speed to hold her own. She’s tough enough to do a bit of work. We will see what’s going on early.”

A match race is certainly not a given, with other strong winning hopes such as the Mark Jones-trained Francent ($10.00FF) with Samantha Ottley, and the Bob Butt-trained and -driven Dynasty ($6.00FF). “It’s a great little field.”

“She’ll have a spell after this, then we will get her back for the springtime.”

The Plumbing World ‘Silk Road’ Mares’ Series Final over 1980m for a stake of $34,000 is carded as race seven on the programme and gets underway at 8:02pm.

Earlier in the night, O’Reilly also trains and drives My Royal Break ($34.00FF) in race five, the Harrison Bloy Plumbing & Bathrooms Mobile Trot over 1980m. The four-year-old Royal Aspirations mare is still learning the racing game; however, she comes into tonight’s fixture off the back of some steady performances.

“She’s been getting too far back, but she’s holding her own.”

“It’s a tidy field, and it depends on where we end up in the running.”

My Royal Break performed well two and three starts ago at Timaru and Ashburton respectively, before running a credible seventh behind Lottie’s Moment on June 8th at Addington.

“She’s still doing a few things wrong, but when she gets her head around it all, she’s capable of winning a few races.”

O’Reilly will also drive Swift Guy ($10.00FF) for his brother Kerry O’Reilly in race two, the Chester’s Plumbing & Bathrooms Mobile Pace over 2600m. The consistent twenty-one-start maiden will suit the longer journey of 2600m, according to O’Reilly.

“The two-six will suit him. He’s run in good races but keeps getting beaten.”

Meanwhile, Ivan Court trains last-start winner Stylish Lustre ($23.00FF), which O’Reilly will drive in race eight, the BC Plumbers Pace over 2000m.

“She won well the other day. If she begins well and gets a nice run, she should be a top-four chance.”

Race one starts at 5:14pm.

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