Racing: Hope-ful: Monbet comeback becomes mighty frustrating

Monbet was a late scratching yesterday. Photo / NZ Harness News

Greg and Nina Hope are having a frustrating comeback with Monbet.

The 2016 Horse of the Year, not sighted for almost two years now, was a late scratching from yesterday's Rangiora trials but, once again, it was just due to a minor hiccup.

Monbet was supposed to start his comeback at last week's Rangiora trials, but skipped those as a precaution after another minor issue.

"It was while loading him up that he sweated up quite badly and it appears he's had a minor bout of colic," said driver Ricky May about the star trotter.

"There was no point taking him like that, but he recovered very quickly and Greg said he'd thrown him in the cart for a jog and he was fine.

"So, he'll probably go to the Methven workouts on Saturday now, but Greg must be starting to wonder just what is going to happen next."

Monbet's trial at Rangiora was easily won by last season's 3YO Trotter of the Year and rising star Winterfell and he's likely to resume at Addington next week.

In his first outing since winning at the Jewels, Winterfell was given an easy run in front and held off a late charge by Woodstone to win in a sedate 3.30.3, home in 58.4 and 29.2.

There is a nice R80 front discretionary handicap for Winterfell at Addington next week and then he will head to Ashburton and on to Cup Week, where the Dominion is a possibility if he is performing.

The main pacing heat was won by Cullenburn, who zipped up the passing lane after trailing for Benny Hill to beat the pacemaking Swamp Major in a solid 3.20.2, home in 57.8 and 28.6.

But the eye catching runs in behind the front markers came from Pat's Delight (20m), Hail Christian and Cruz Bromac (40m).

Bettor Joy looked much sharper for her trial last week when she charged home for Murray Howard to gun down Sicario in their 2000 metre heat.

- NZ Harness News