Sutherland with well-favoured pair at Rangiora

[Wandering Eyes]

By Mike Love 

Rakaia trainer Stuart Sutherland takes two runners to the Rangiora meeting on Sunday, both of whom look each way chances. 

Sabi Sands ($4.40FF), in Race 2, the Barnsy’s All Trade Services Pace (1.10pm) over 2000m, is backing up from last Sunday’s debut effort at the Kurow meeting where he ran third.

“He’s come through the run well. He’s eating up and seems a happy horse,” said Sutherland.

The big four-year-old gelding by Sunshine Beach, who will be driven by Kimberley Butt, has had his fair share of issues along the way, but Sutherland is confident of another good showing – especially if the pace is on over the 2000m trip.

“He’s a big horse, and with that come a few problems. But he’s really come right in the last four or five weeks. He’s a bit one-paced, so if they sit and sprint it won’t really suit him – but you never know.”

Hi Life ($3.60FF), fresh up for new trainer Geoff Dunn, is current favourite with Riley Harrison in the sulky after a winning trial at Rangiora on August 7. The Sky Major mare has not raced since October last year.

Later on the card in Race 8, the Paddy McDaddy Horse Of The Year Trot over 2000m (4.38pm) John Morrison will drive Millie Let Loose.

The four-year-old Superfast Stuart mare was a fresh-up winner at Addington on June 29 and has since not had things go her way while still running very respectable races.

“She worked really well on Thursday. She’s been bucking and kicking in her paddock, so she seems pretty well,” says Sutherland. 

Millie Let Loose is generally a good beginner and Sutherland suggests she may try to use that to her advantage though wary of other slick beginners drawn inside her.

“We are expecting a good run. She usually steps well, so the 2000m suits her.

“It’s a drop in grade, but Fred’s horse (Royal Yankee, $5.00FF) and Matthew (Williamson)’s one (Granny Rose, $3.00FF) also go well from the stand. All going to plan, she’ll step and run that first bit pretty well.”

The aforementioned Granny Rose is current race favourite, along with Ruthless Emma ($4.80FF) for trainer and driver Anj Mugford, as well as the Fred Fletcher-trained, Alan Beecroft-driven Royal Yankee.

Sutherland trains from his base at Rakaia with friend and trainer Kevin McRae.

“We both work our horses together. We work about eight between us at the moment. So it’s quite good to be able to work in with each other.”

Race 1 gets underway with the amateur drivers in action at 12:34pm.

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