Howden’s hoping the heaven’s heavens open
The connections of Palio might have to do a rain dance to get a wet track for Saturday’s Southland Times Invercargill Gold Cup.
Both of Palio’s wins have been in heavy ground, but those conditions are unlikely for the Southland Racing Club’s Cup meeting at Ascot Park.
The forecast is for more warm weather with some drizzle on Saturday.
“On her day, she can run a bit,” trainer Barry Howden said of Palio.
He decided on Tuesday to enter her for the $25,000 cup after noticing the race had attracted only
Harness trial results
Harness racing trials at Ascot Park yesterday resulted:
Nic Mac Willy (B Norman) 1, Rakabolt 2, Hezahotdude 3; three started; hd, 2l; 2:7.5, 58.2, 28.8; winning trainer, B Norman. eight runners. She was hindered by firm tracks in her past two starts.
Palio ran second to The Solitaire in a rating 75 2200m at Ascot Park on December 10. The Solitaire went on to win the Gore and Dunedin cups in impressive fashion.
“Her second to The Solitaire was a pretty good effort,” Howden said.
Palio’s jockey, Chris Johnson, has won three Invercargill Gold Cups, with Sopherim (1998) and Sea Swift (1986-87). Howden, who owns Palio with his daughter Virginia, trained Imps Love to win the cup in 2001.
Dual Invercargill Cup winner Relampago kicks off a new campaign on Saturday. Ascot Park trainer Sally Gordon has selected the 1600m Summer Cup as the race to launch his 9-year-old season.
Another feature on Saturday’s programme, the Southland Guineas, has attracted 13 runners. The first of the 11 races on Saturday starts at noon, with the last scheduled for 6.06pm. Entertainment on course includes Fashion in the Field and popular magician Wayne Mcewan.
Galaxy Hunter (N Williamson) 1, Sudon Speed 2, The Fiery Filly 3; five started; 1l, 1 1/4l, 3 1/2l; 2:59.5, 58.6, 29.6; winning trainer, N Williamson.
Eddie Boy (K Larsen) 1, Tristan Bromac 2, Hoover 3; four started; 3 1/2l, 2 1/4l, 16l; 2:45.8, 58.3, 29; winning trainer, K Larsen. Xtreme Luck (K Larsen) 1, Kai Bree She 2, Arancia 3; three started; 3l, ns; 2:45.1, 57.1, 28; winning trainer, K Larsen.
Artfilly (G Lee) 1, Currahee 2, Mighty Spark 3; four started; 3/4l, lg nk, 16l; 2:54.5, 59.4, 28.1; winning trainers, G and C Lee.