Hilary leads them, throws a shoe, and shows she’s not made of glass
By Barry Lichter • 25 November 2018
Like Cinderella fleeing the ball, Hilary Barry lost one of her slippers at Pukekohe yesterday, so fast was she skipping along.
And that made the run by the Bettor’s Delight filly even more creditable as she finished a close-up third in the two-year-old mile trial for driver Zachary Butcher.
“She ripped off one of her shoes about halfway round,’’ says trainer Ray Green. “Zac said he had to nurse her along after that so she’s gone really well.”
Hilary Barry, who hinted at what was to come when powering home the previous week, was given her head at the start by Butcher, and showed impressive speed to cross over from six on the gate.
She never put a foot wrong from then on despite throwing the shoe and, while nabbed late by Miss Shuga and Emmber, beaten two heads, she fought on well.
Hilary Barry … a real tradesman.“She was getting a bit tired - that’s the fastest she’s ever gone - but Zac didn’t really drive her out.”
The time for the mile was a slick 2:04, the fastest recorded so far by the new season’s juveniles at Pukekohe, with closing splits of 59.1 and 27.9.
“She’s not a real speedster, she’s tradesman-like, and is a real trier.’’
Green says he won’t be nominating Hilary Barry for the season’s first two-year-old race in the north on Friday night.
“There’s plenty of time for her. But I will put in my three who trialled on Friday night (Sir Tiger, Man Of Action and Perfect Stride) and see if they can get a field together.’’
Hilary Barry has made excellent progress at the workouts in the last few weeks since her initial blip when she galloped in two heats, heavily in season and then losing a hopple carrier strap.
More news in Harness
Unlucky Leo worth a dollar in the cup and La Moose can go close again on Thursday night
Onyx Shard can keep the ball rolling for Ray and Nathan at Manawatu on Tuesday
Ray and Debbie both in the money at the Park with speedy ‘Frisky’ and precocious ‘Angela’
What’s Up with the trotter? - Ray ‘guilty’ of being very optimistic for debut on Friday night
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Kevin Kline, What’s Up The Hill, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Lincoln Lou, Debbie Lincoln, Colonel Lincoln, Frisco Bay.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
6.07pm
“He didn’t go very well in his workout right-handed last Thursday but he was good on Saturday when we trained him left-handed. It’s his first race for three months so he could possibly need it but we’re talking Manawatu opposition.”
Race 7: Onyx Shard
7.01pm
“She’s absolutely a winning chance. She showed that last time when she had to do a fair bit to hold the lead. Fergie is driving her this time and we’re pretty confident she’ll go well. She’s such a well-gaited mare.”
Race 8: Lincoln La Moose
7.25pm
“He dominated them last time from the outside of the gate and, even though he can be in and out, he’ll be hard to beat again. That easier opposition makes a difference when there’s nothing good enough to eye-ball you. “
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
6.50pm
“He was very unlucky on night one. The gap sort of opened up then closed again and I had to take hold. He was still charging to the line and if the gap had come he would have been right there with the winner. If he can step and lead, then slot into the trail, he should be a winning chance.”
Race 6: Onyx Shard
7.17pm
“Ferg said she wasn’t on the bit the whole way on Tuesday, was too relaxed. We’ll take the block blinds off this time and put half blinds on and see if that helps. She had to do a bit of work in the run on Tuesday but it doesn’t seem to have knocked her around. The outside draw makes it harder.”
Race 7: Lincoln La Moose
7.39pm
“He looks our best chance of the night. He’s definitely a different horse down here and he obviously likes it in front. Ferg didn’t pull the plugs the other night and that tells you something. He’s doing everything right, I can’t fault him.”
