|
INVERCARGILL CUP PREVIEW
One of New Zealand's worst track workers is on trial for the $250,000 Auckland Cup at Invercargill on Saturday. And the TAB believe Ohoka Texas is a $1.40 chance to continue his harness racing winning streak in the $40,000 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup.
The four-year-old has emerged as a potential open class star of the future this season, winning four of his five starts for new trainer Mark Jones.
His latest was a crushing performance in the Pelorus Classic at Blenheim two weeks ago, one of the most impressive runs in a group race in recent years. He reverts to a standing start and taking on the older horses at Invercargill on Saturday but neither of those factors concern Jones.
"He is usually good from a stand and even if he does bobble it is only for a couple of strides," said Jones. "And he already runs the sort of times the good older horses do so I don't see that being an issue."
Not that Ohoka Texas gives Jones any indication in track work of how he will perform on Saturday.
"He is a terrible track worker," reveals Jones.
"At home he just battles up the straight and can get beaten by the maidens."
Not many can keep up on race day though, as Ohoka Texas has developed a relentless pacing style to sap the speed from his rivals.
"When he does get to open class that is the only concern, whether he has the speed to beat the absolute best because they go hard but still kick home in 56 seconds.
"Still, this guy can pace two quarters (400m) in 27 seconds back to back so I think he will be fine."
|
