HALSE HEADS IN WITH HIGH HOPES
24 January, 2019
Greyhound
Photo caption : Kiss Me Linda with happy connections after one of her recent victories.
Trainer Chris Halse holds a very strong hand heading into the programs at Mandurah and Cannington with a string of in-form chasers well placed for their weekend assignments.
At Mandurah on Friday night West On Hazel has drawn box one in the $6,000 to the winner Prime Trophies Kanyana Cup final.
The daughter of Barcia Bale and Zelemar Fever has won both of her starts over the 490 metres at Mandurah and came from box four when running down Kayda Knight in her heat in the time of 27.87 seconds.
Halse believes the cherry draw will significantly improve the prospects of West On Hazel in the Grade 5 feature final.
“She is a bitch who really appreciates being drawn down on the rails and as long as she can come out and hold her spot she should be right in the finish.” Halse said.
“Exactly who leads is going to be the key to the race. Go Pro, Kayda Knight, Nangar Jill and Love Me Tinder are all recognised early speed influences and then last week Junkyard Muppet even came out running.”
“Often in races like this the dog that can find the rail and boot up is well placed – I hope that is the case for Hazel in this race.” Halse commented.
On Saturday night at Cannington the heats of the Miata over the 715 metres are the feature races of the night and Halse has representatives with West On Hawkeye drawn box eight in race six and West On Tia drawn box seven in race seven.
“West On Hawkeye is racing in grand fashion at the moment and the clash between him and Yunderup Tank and Reidy’s Runner will be really interesting.” Halse suggested.
“I expect Hawkeye and Tank to be up on top of the speed and setting the tempo and it will likely come down to how close Reidy’s Runner is to them turning for home.”
“Reidy’s Runner is the proven strong dog in the race and with only 6 runners in the lineup he looks every chance to be swooping home at a rate.” Halse offered.
While Halse was giving West On Hawkeye each way claims he was not as confident about West On Tia.
“West On Tia has her work cut out against Moment To Jive who has been in phenomenal form in recent weeks.” Halse said.
“Tia has a big motor but she is likely to be spotting Jive a big head start. Hopefully she can run home into a placing.” Halse commented.
Halse has welcomed two new chasers into his care with Wise Piquet and Wise Riciardo transferring to his kennels after forging successful careers in Victoria.
“They are nice additions to the team and they were both similar in their trials, beginning slowly before working home very strong.” Halse said.
“Wise Piquet runs into a very strong Free To All which includes Quick Jagger and West On Augie so that won’t be easy but Wise Ricciardo has drawn an easier race and with a clear run he can be hitting the line hard.” Halse suggested.
Kiss Me Linda who is owned by a string of Thoroughbred racing identities including the Sports Daily’s Ryan Hill and Gareth Hall is engaged in race two drawn in box three.
“The crew involved with Kiss Me Linda have been a lot of fun and she heads in to her race with good prospects.” Halse commented.
“She does her best work when she leads and if she can find the top she’ll be hard to stop.” Halse said.
When quizzed on his best for the weekend Chris opted for the versatile Feelin’ Alright in race three at Cannington.
“Feelin’ Alright is developing into a very smart type.” Halse commented.
“She is still learning but she chases so hard and gives it everything she has got.”
“From box two she should be able to land nice and close and from there she will be really chiming in at the business end.” Halse concluded.
David Shortte