News

Wins at Forbury - Thursday, Addington - Friday and Ashburton - today, have kept alive the hopes of the Robert Dunn stable in taking out this year's trainers premiership.

While it is only a two horse go after a scratching today, the "match race" between Franco Cristiano and Heaven Rocks is sure to be a highlight at Addington this evening.

While the number of meetings is fast running out, the number of potential stable runners is still high, as is the level of enthusiasm as Team Dunn approach another pivotal week in their quest for the premiership.

He may have had seven months away from the track, but going by last night's win, Franco Cristiano is fast making up for lost time.

While the abandonement of the second day of Marlborough on Sunday did hurt, especially with so many good chances on the day, the reality is that a good weekend results wise and it could still be game on.

After two winning runs on the first day and some good placings also, John is happy with where his team is at going into day two.

Its been a seven month absence from the track, but talented three year old Franco Cristiano looks set to make a winning return on day one at Blenheim tomorrow.

Six wins in the last 24 hours have taken the Robert Dunn stable to 100 wins for the season and the prospect of a new record total for a season.

Craig Smith is the happiest man in harness racing tonight after producing a peach of a drive to get home on Vanhalem, a horse that he also holds a share in.

If there is to be any chance of a stable success on jewels day, it will most likely have been in the 4yr old Diamond for the mares.

With no shortage of racing in Dunedin in the next month, the decision has been made to base a team in the south headed by Craig Smith.

He was meant to be enjoying some time on the hills in the north, but in a cruel twist of fate, Wesley Silcox lost his life in a freak accident caused by a lightning strike.

An unlucky second on the first night, The Royal Garden was simply too good for a handy C2-C6 field yesterday at Manawatu.

A horse always rated within the stable, Pembrook Harry delivered in style in his first start at the Manawatu last evening.

On the brink of a drop-back leading into tonight's assignment, Little Rascal produced a tough winning run after missing away early.

He's tasted success in a number of big races over the past few seasons, but tonight will be John's first foray to the Manawatu.

While many are labelling today's Rangiora Classic a two horse race between Locharburn and Christen Me, don't go writing off the chances of the very much in form Mighty Flying Mac.

Fresh off her Group One placing at her previous start, Dalness Xchange overcame a wide barrier and a tough trip to get home over a nice field of C2-C4 pacers.

While the great summer may be almost over, one who won't be leaving his beach stay anytime soon is Mighty Flying Mac.