Ashburton-based trainer Belinda Impey operates a small string out of the Ashburton training centre but she has more than her fair share of winners given the quality of horse that she has in her stable.
Quite simply, if they are good enough she will get them to perform, a prime example being Be The Right winning at Greyville last Sunday, a gelding that she nursed through a myriad of problems.
So, the Computaform comment behind the name of Amor Ardiente in tomorrow’s fifth race on the Greyville poly, ‘amazingly useful sort’ is a little demeaning.
Amor Ardiente (Candiese Marnewick)
Be that as it may, Anton Marcus was quick to book his place in the saddle after steering the gelding to a convincing win last time out, and in a small field where many are returning from time off, Amor Ardiente could be one of the better bets on a seriously tricky card.
He is still relatively easy to back at 22-10 in the opening market with Winter’s Coming and Blackball market rivals.
Winter’s Coming got home narrowly from the lightly weighted The Poet last time out but The Poet’s form has not been all that great since. Blackball has consistent form in smart company but does have a big weight and with only a barrier trial to his name since early July he could be found short if it comes to a tight finish.
The opening leg of the Pick 6, like the balance of the card, is wide open with many runners having dropped in the ratings. Biker Babe is on the up and has made good improvement for her new stable and can follow up on her last easy win. Missibaba is current ante-post favourite and has been close-up in recent starts over shorter but has a chance from a good draw. Bridal Veil and Fullfillyourdreams are others to consider.
Marcus has stuck with the ride on Elusive Diva, a beaten favourite a beaten odds-on chance under Marcus in her last three. She is due a change of fortune. Silver Prancer is another that has been knocking at the door for some time now and will be a threat along with Moon In June who was a beaten odds-on chance at just her second start and looks capable of good improvement.
Sentido was another beaten favourite last run but he has been holding form and may be worth another chance in a weak field in the sixth. Honest Prince is in good form and although battling for a second win he has not been far back of late and has a handy weight which could swing it in his favour.
In the seventh, Peter Piper has not been far back to stronger at recent outings but has dropped in the ratings and looks to have a bright chance in this field. A threat could be War Trumpet who is lightly raced but has been taking on stronger in Cape Town. He trialled well enough but meets a competitive field. Queensbury Rules and Hidden Influence are others to consider.
In the last, Greenlight Gatsby is lightly raced and although he disappointed on the turf last time out his poly form is not bad. Lucara has been knocking at the door for some time now and goes well over course and distance. He rates a strong chance in this field. Another with a chance is At The Opera who took on way stronger last run. He has shown some promise although his only poly effort was below par.
By Andrew Harrison
