Racing: Orpheus in good shape for Paeroa

Arrastra (right) will appreciate the drop back in class. Photo / Wanganui Chronicle

Only Pasco's half-neck defeat at Foxton last start prevented Orpheus going for five straight victories at Paeroa tomorrow.

The real John Wheeler emerging star has only to live up to that form to take the Barry Hart Barristers Hurdles.

Orpheus has to drop back from steeplechasing to hurdling for the race, but he hasn't been running over the big fences for long and as recently as July 30 won a 2200m flat race on this track with Linda Jenkins, partner of John Wheeler, on his back.

Arrastra will appreciate the drop back in class. The tip here is his second to Counter Punch in the Wellington Hurdles three starts back.

John Wheeler has a big chance of lifting the Rotorua Livestock Steeplechase with El Patron. His battle with Slave Fire should be a beaut.

The extra distance might help Havane City in the main steeplechase and his clash with the likes of Barado, Mali Juraj and Logan James sets up a very interesting race.