Racing: Grylls seeks to go one better

Craig Grylls (above) will ride Waikeepadacash in the Te Awamutu Cup. Photo / Greg Bowker

Every jockey wants to win a premiership.

Apprentice Craig Grylls has an ambition that burns just as intensely.

It's to win the John F Grylls Memorial Classic, a race named in honour of his grandfather, one of the icon members of the racing fraternity until his death two decades ago.

Te Awamutu has been the traditional home base of the Grylls dynasty and the John Grylls Memorial comes up for renewal there tomorrow.

Gary Grylls, son of John and father of Craig, won the race a couple of times.

Craig Grylls has twice finished second in the race from only three seasons of race riding.

One of those seconds was on Keeper Coming last year and he rides the same mare in tomorrow's contest.

"It would mean a lot me to win this race," said Grylls, just back from a six-week working holiday at the Queensland winter racing carnival.

"Finishing second twice from three rides in the race has been a thrill, but nothing compared to what it would be like to win it."

Keeper Coming has a few ticks to suggest she can be a top ride tomorrow.

She is trained at Te Awamutu, has won on the course, she handles winter tracks beautifully and looked to be approaching her best form when second to the underrated Track Brat at Ellerslie last start.

She led in the home straight and fought back bravely to be only a head from Track Brat and should appreciate the extra distance at 1580m.

It could be a big day for Craig Grylls.

He has landed the ride on Waikeepadacash in the $30,000 Wine & Spirits Te Awamutu Cup.

Waikeepadacash will be at value odds, but he won the race last year when ridden by Vinny Colgan.

There are plenty of chances.

Angelwithattitude has strong claims. She won two on end and was then disadvantaged when she got back, as usual, in a sit-sprint race at Ellerslie behind Harry Tait at Ellerslie.

At her last start she finished on strongly for third over a too-short 1400m at Tauranga and will appreciate the longer trip this time.

The wetter the better and the looser the better for Justawins.

She looked good storming home as usual when a stylish first-up third at Ellerslie, then unaccountably failed at Tauranga last start when favourite.

There were a few that day who have subsequently come up with form reversals and don't be surprised if Justawins does the same.

Zoomin is a dual acceptor and a chance in both races.