Halfsiblings from family of Lyell Creek impress

CHRISTCHURCH: Kaikoura breeder Peter Smith gently reminded harness racing fans that he can produce a handy type when Wainui Creek and Blazin Creek won at Methven yesterday.

The halfsiblings out of Christian Creek produced impressive debut wins for Smith, the man who bred New Zealand’s greatest trotter, Lyell Creek.

Christian Creek is a halfsister to Lyell Creek but was unable to win a race in 17 attempts.

Driver Ricky May took no chances with Wainui Creek, moving her threewide in the back straight to the parked position. The rangy filly then produced a strong effort to win her 2400m mobile race for trainer Richard Aubrey.

‘‘Ricky was pretty impressed with her and he offered the opinion that she might be up to running around with the better fillies later on in the season,’’ Aubrey said.

‘‘She is paid up for everything and, provided everything keeps going the way it is, we will try to give her an opportunity there at some stage.’’

Her connections resisted the temptation of racing her last season to give her more time to develop.

‘‘She has had a perfect preparation since she has come back in. Everything has gone pretty right for her,’’ Aubrey said.

An hour later May added another win to Christian Creek’s broodmare record when he drove Blazin Creek to victory. The 4yrold Auckland Reactor gelding came with a late run over 2400m (mobile).

Christian Creek had previously produced the twowin mare Millies Creek and onerace Australian winner, Forest Creek. She is due to foal to Art Major this breeding season.