Butt's got drives to grin about

BY JAMIE SEARLE

Reinsman Chris Butt has two drives at Winton today and both are winning chances.

His drive in race four, Hostile Grins, is chasing his second win in five days. The four-year-old Go For Grins gelding won a one-win contest at Wyndham on Saturday and should back up well in today's John Keenan Memorial Pace.

"It's a step up for him (in class), but he's going good," Butt said yesterday.

His other drive today, Goodtogo, is entered for the SGT Dan Stockfoods Pace.

Goodtogo won a fillies and mares' mobile mile in 1min 58.2sec at Wyndham on January 19.

The three-year-old took on harder opposition when competing in a Southland Oaks Heat at Wyndham on February 7. Goodtogo finished sixth and five and a-half lengths from winner Royal Cee Cee.

She maintained a late run for fifth in a one-win pace at Ascot Park on February 21.

Goodtogo's Mosgiel owner-trainer, Syd Brown, is looking after Hostile Grins for West Melton trainer Tim Butt.

The Fiery Ginga has been put on the unruly for the John Earl Saddlery Handicap, in an attempt to help the trotter keep his gait in the early stages of the race .

Mosgiel trainer Alan Clark is hopeful The Fiery Ginga will trot all-the-way.

"If he steps, I can't see anything beating him," Clark said.

"He's working tremendous."

After today's race, The Fiery Ginga will head to Addington for a three-year-old trot on March 19 and the group one New Zealand Trotting Derby on March 26.

He and stablemate Heather Castleton are being considered for an Australian campaign in the winter.

The Fiery Ginga is a prospect for the Victoria Trotters' Derby, while two-year-old Heather Castleton could start at the Redwood Raceday at Maryborough, as well as competing in the Australasian Breeders' Crown Series.

- © Fairfax NZ News