Lad hoping to open winning streak

ROBYN PARKES SOUTHPICS

MAIDEN HOPE: Matai Lad (right) is an in-form runner for the second leg of the TAB Quaddie at Omakau today.

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Omakau-trained Matai Lad is a big hope to win on his home track today.

The former North Islander has raced nine times in the south for three seconds, three thirds and three fourths. Trainer Murray Hamilton expects Matai Lad to dispute the finish of the Crawf Ag Maiden.

"He's an on-pace runner . . . He'll go good again," the horseman said.

Kelly Cullen is in favour for the CRT 1400 after being beaten a neck by Kerry Dance in a rating 70 1360m at Ascot Park on February 11.

Co-trainer Graeme Anderson said Kelly Cullen was not "flash" in training.

"It's hard to get a line on him at home," Anderson said.

"But, I'm reasonably confident he'll go a good race."

Chris Johnson rides The Pearler in the Omakau Commercial Hotel 1400.

The rating 90 event will be a drop in class for The Pearler. She finished sixth of 14 in the White Robe Lodge Stakes at Wingatui on February 6 at her last start.

The Dennis brothers, who train the Volksraad mare at Woodlands, intend to start her in the $65,000 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes at Riccarton on March 27.

Turf Fire is in fine fettle for the McLarens Farm Machinery 1100, according to Washdyke trainer Michael Daly.

Her second in an open 1000m at Riccarton last Saturday points to a bold run at Omakau.

"I was really pleased with her Riccarton run," Daly said yesterday.

"I can't see any reason why she can't back up."

Christchurch trainer Michael Pitman looks likely to win the first two races today.

Makatak, second in his past two starts, contests the Kirk Irrigation Maiden, while O'Canny stands out in the Duncan Agricultural Contractors 1100.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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