Racing: Heavy track just what Van Winkle ordered

Evan Rayner is sitting pretty when he thinks about Manawatu tomorrow.

The Wanganui trainer will produce Baltaine into the $50,000 Savabeel Marton 1600 and the heavy track is made to order.

He and his daughter JJ will also saddle evergreen winter galloper Van Winkle, who they have been ticking over on the flat waiting for the big money to be put on the line for the major hurdle races.

But don't be fooled into thinking Van Winkle is only a hurdler in waiting.

Evan Rayner thought that until he galloped the old fella at Wanganui yesterday morning.

"The way he worked I reckon he's the horse Baltaine and the others have to beat."

Van Winkle has career earnings of nearly $300,000 and for the last couple of seasons has been carrying big weights on the flat.

He had 58kg on his back when beaten at Te Rapa last start and tomorrow drops to a much more comfortable 54kg.

"I can't remember him ever having a weight like that," says Rayner.

"I've got Noel Harris on him and I reckon he'll go a very cheeky race. The heavier the track gets the more he comes into the race."

The Manawatu surface was 4.8 and heavy yesterday with more rain forecast for tomorrow.

Baltaine has been in sparkling form in two starts this campaign. He was beaten in a photo finish by Fluffy Duck on an dead track that was a fraction too firm for him when resuming then showed what he could do with a heavy track in winning at Te Rapa last time out.

That day he joined the lead early in the home straight and defied the others with a real display of heart.

He is going to need to do that again because he is stepping up to 1600m for the first time in what will be a very dour race.

Rayner believes the key to the horse's form is the riders.

"No disrespect to Robbie Hannam, but Robbie used to have him racing too keenly running along in front.

"Which is why he couldn't get past 1200m very well. Apprentice Lee Callaway has ridden him in both his starts this time in and the horse has settled beautifully for him.

"That was why he stuck out the 1400m to win at Te Rapa."

To ensure there is no freshness in the horse and therefore too much keenness in running, Rayner took Baltaine to the recent Waverley barrier trials, where he won.

"Hopefully I've taken the edge off him for the 1600m. I'm sure I have."

Baltaine will be ridden by Andrew Calder, who has been associated with him previously.

Irish Rover is rising nine and his three starts this preparation have indicated that the grand old galloper might have slid a length or two below his former outstanding form.

He went slightly better when third on this track last start, but was beaten nearly six lengths by Sir Slick.

It might be a touch early to write him off just yet, but this race should be an accurate guide of whether he is going to come back to his. This is a step up in class from the field British Ensign beat at Matamata last time, but he was very impressive that day.

He has always had plenty of ability and the drop to 56kg from the 58kg at Matamata will be a big help.

A decision will be made today this morning whether Mohican Brave will travel for the race.

Danica Guy has done a wonderful job of bringing the talented, but often physically troubled gelding back from the wilderness. "If the track was going to be loose then I'd probably run him, but if it's going to be sticky and holding then I wouldn't bother," said the former equestrian rider.

With David Walsh aboard, Mohican Brave was impressive winning narrowly in fast time at Otaki last start.

He has yet to race on a slow or heavy surface.

Canterbury trainer Kevin Hughes is stepping stylish Riccarton PQ winner Red Hot Chilli up in class.

* Latest TAB betting: $5 Woodbury Lane, Irish Rover; $7.50 Mikki Street; $9 British Ensign, Baltaine; $11 Bernard Rex; $12 Daniel Samson, Mohican Brave; $14 Mandana; $20 Banchiere; $22 Illicitly, Red Hot Chilli; $35 Van Winkle; $40 Lyns Girl.