Shortys Chance returns to track

JOHN HAWKINS/Southland Times

TOP BET: Shortys Chance is a top bet at Ascot Park tonight.

Impressive debut winner Shortys Chance makes a return to racing at Ascot Park tonight.

He won by nearly six lengths in track record time of 3min 1.3sec (2400m stand) at Winton on December 19. Winton trainer-driver Allan Beck has the royally-bred three-year-old entered for the PGG Wrightson Sale of the Stars Pace at the Invercargill Harness Racing Club's twilight meeting.

Motu Crusader, who competes in the Willy's Flooring Junior Drivers' Pace, is also on the comeback trail. He has not raced since his 11th against the country's best three-year-olds in the Sires' Stakes Final at Addington on November 10.

The son of Courage Under Fire did not receive the best of runs in the group one event. His win in a heat of the prestigious series, at Forbury Park in October, proved he was highly talented.

Trained at Winton by Tim White, Motu Crusader won at the Ascot Park workouts recently. His main opposition tonight could come from Sly Golfer, who ran second at Ascot Park on Monday.

Classy mare Beaudiene Bad Babe clashes with Bubba Ho Tep and There's A Dancer in the Robin Dundee Crown. Beaudiene Bad Babe was late getting clear when seventh in the Northern Southland Cup at Ascot Park on January 14.

The five horses representing Rolleston training partners Mark Purdon and Grant Payne tonight are Highview Chartom (race five), Asset Rich (race seven), Amakudari (race eight), Chrissy Styx (race nine) and Kusadasi (race nine).

Horses wearing pull down blinds include: Sarah's Excuse (race three), Smile With Me (race four) and Onedin Hustler (race eight).

Selections:

Race 1: The Fiery Ginga, Watch Rose Trot, Demon Darb.

Race 2: Absolute Courage, The Odd One, Vic N Art.

Race 3: Motu Crusader, Sly Golfer, Tauber.

Race 4: Stirling Charmer, Art Beat, Donna's X Factor.

Race 5: Shortys Chance, Highview Chartom, Hugo Seelster.

Race 6: Beaudiene Bad Babe, Bubba Ho Tep, There's A Dancer.

Race 7: Asset Rich, Norham Fella, Finbar Abbey.

Race 8: Amakudari, Stirling Point, Beths Boy.

Race 9: Chrissy Styx, Kusadasi, Chicago Blues.

Best bet: The Fiery Ginga

Longshot: Valiant Lustre (R7)

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