Sam Thornley with nine drives at Methven today

[Wandering Eyes]

By Mike Love 

Canterbury trainer-driver Sam Thornley has several each-way chances at Methven today for the Hororata meeting at Mt Harding racecourse.  

Thornley has nine drives in total, six of which are offering each-way odds under $10.

The first of those comes in Race 2, the Peter Craig Memorial Trot over 2400m, where Neil William ($5.50FF) lines up for trainer Sam Payne. 

“He should be a good chance. He’s shown a bit of ability in his first couple of races. He just got a bit lost in front last time and galloped. He should go good,” said Thornley.  

In Race 3, American Tos ($4.00FF) goes around for trainer Anne-Marie and Jack Best in the Fiona Stuart Memorial Mobile pace. 

“He went good on the first day at Nelson. It trialled good the other day so should run well.”

Major Li ($6.00FF) will be looking for a deserved maiden victory in Race 4,  the John Morrison, Ken McRae, Dave McHugh Pace having placed in four from five starts this campaign for trainer Ken Barron. 

“He has the ability to win, it’s just whether he wants to do it or not.”

Always Bee Gee ($6.00FF) in Race 6, the Hamish Scott/Kim Lawson Mobile Pace looks a good chance despite a wide draw after strong fifth at Oamaru last time. 

“It was a pretty good run last time. It’s not the greatest draw, but if he gets a good run he’ll be a good chance.” 

Thornley’s drive in the $20,000 Garrards Horse And Hound Hororata Cup over 3000m is Commander Ben ($5.00FF) for trainer Kevin Fairbairn. Coming into the event fresh off the back of a solid second placing behind The Big Lebowski, Commander Joe looks to be in with another top four chance drawn off the front line with the favourites all drawn behind, including race favourite J T Boe. 

“It’s a good field, but he’s drawn the front. He’s a good beginner so if we can stay in front of the other good ones he’d be a good chance.” 

Thornley trains and drives a runner in the final race on the programme, Race 11 the HSW Accountants/Promed Mobile pace with A Better Jackalack ($7.00FF). Not being suited to the pressures of barrier one at Oamaru last time out, A Better Jackalack returns to the unruly mark for today’s assignment. 

“He’s drawn one four times and he’s done that every time. He’s definitely got the ability but being on the unruly will make it hard for him.”

Thornley also drives He’s Santas Excuse ($13.00FF) in Race 1, Flow Motion ($11.00FF) in Race 9 and Sod’s Law ($21.00FF) in Race 11.  

Race 1 gets underway at midday.

 

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