Trainer Paul Harris is well represented across both days of the traditional Riverton Easter race meeting this weekend but the weather will have a huge bearing on how many of his team back-up for the Monday edition of the Carnival.
Harris will produce seven runners on Saturday from his Rangiora-based stable, with five of these entered again on Monday.
“The first day will have a bearing on how many I run on Monday as most of my team are set to run on the first day as well,” Harris said.
“The weather forecast suggests the track is likely to be pretty wet on both days so we will take a look at their recovery after day one and then make a decision.
“Mind you it is a long way to come down here from Rangiora and while we are here, we have to make the most of it and my horses generally do well on the quick back-up”.
Harris nominates Roc de Cambes mare Madison Rose as one to watch on Monday as he believes she is ideally suited in a rating 60 2147m contest.
“Madison Rose looks well suited to her race on Monday as she is one who thrives on racing,” he said.
“She is in a tough field on Saturday and I think the run will clean her up nicely for the second day, where she drops into a grade that will suit her well.”
One runner who will be having his first run in the Harris colours on Monday is former northerner Captain Oumuamua, a winner of two races from the Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray stable before heading south to Harris.
“I've had Captain Oumuamua for a wee while now and he is ready to step out for his first race of the winter,” Harris said.
“I'm really happy with him and he galloped well here to prepare for his stable debut.
“He obviously has some good ability and the 1400m first up should see him running on well.
“He is a horse we would like to take through the grades and see what level he can be competitive at.
“There are some lovely staying races available to him over the winter months and if he can show the sort of form he did up north, then I think we are going to have plenty of fun with him.”