Racing: Local team looking to make an early impact

Graeme Sanders (L) and son Mark Sanders at the Karaka Sales. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Graeme Sanders and Debbie Sweeney have a big team engaged at their home meeting at Te Awamutu today and they are optimistic of an early strike.

The father and daughter training combination will produce two runners in the opening event, the Garrard's Horse & Hound 1300, and rate both Two Gee's and Lady Ferner strong chances.

"I quite like Two Gee's - he over-raced a bit at his last start and he's improved while Lady Ferner has been quite consistent and she's well," Sweeney said.

Two Gee's ran fifth at Waverley when resuming from a lengthy spell while Lady Ferner has collected five cheques from her last seven appearances.

Later in the Waipa programme, Sanders expected Mariposa to give another bold account of herself in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race.

"It was a good effort at Hawera last time out and we're very happy with her," she said. "On paper, she's probably our best chance."

Mariposa was a close second when returning from a four month break and she has drawn ideally in gate two to go one better in the hands of Brendan Hutton.

The stable will be represented by The Keept Lady, who has been in the money in both of her last two appearances, in the other Pearl Series event.

"She's coming back in distance and Robert Priscott's horse A'Larose is very fast so we'll probably be chasing her around," Sweeney said.

"We've also got a bit of time for Night Vision and he'll be a chance in his race if he doesn't get too far back."

- NZ Racing Desk