Racing: Trainer starting runners in both codes

Here is one for the record book buffs on the dual-code card at Avondale today.

When was the last time an owner-trainer saddled a galloper, then a few minutes later hooked up the harness on a stable pacer?

If there were any before her, Sue Martin of Pakiri Beach most certainly joins a very small club today with her entries Run Like The Wind and pacer Next Belle.

The even more exciting aspect for Martin is that both are rated genuine winning chances.

Martin has already had a taste of what the dual-thrill feels like with cross-code winners on the same day in the same city.

In January she won a non-tote qualifying race with 3-year-old Highland Rach at the Alexandra Park workouts, then raced across town to lead her only galloper out for a 1400m maiden event at Avondale.

The only problem was that her truck driver got lost en route, arriving just minutes before Run Like The Wind was due to start.

Run Like The Wind wasn't too flustered by the near-scratching, over-powering the promising Milena near the line to win his first race.

But Martin admits she's taking no chance of a repeat suburban scramble today.

"I've made sure there's a map in the truck this time," she laughed.

Martin at least knows Run Like The Wind is a lot better than his last-start run in Magnetism's Great Northern Guineas suggests.

The exciting 3-year-old raced too fiercely on the long rein of first-time pilot Lisa Cropp that day, fading in the straight to beat just one home.

"I'm not the expert, but I think you've got to tuck him under you to get the best from him," said Martin.

"I just wish I could get Darryl Bradley back on him. He was awesome the day he beat Flyn High at Te Rapa."

Martin admits today's 1400m progressive test wasn't originally on Run Like The Wind's agenda.

But the Guineas miss has forced a rethink if he is going to be ready for the $100,000 3-year-old 1600m feature at Tauranga next month.

It's almost impossible for Martin to get an accurate line on Run Like The Wind at home.

He lumps Stephen Lawson's 100kg frame along the sand, but has no four-legged rivals to really push him.

All Martin knows for sure is that he has the constitution of a Clydesdale, soaking up everything she and Lawson ask of him, and never leaving an oat in his feed bin.

Promising apprentice Claire Anderson has the job of harnessing that natural talent to produce the first leg of what Martin hopes will be a memorable double today.

Anderson was aboard when the Pins gelding quit maidens on the course in January and that affinity combined with her 2kg claim makes him hardest to beat.

Next Belle, a regular on the amateur circuit until Neil Brady claimed him from Tim Vince last year for $3000, may not be as favoured on the tote 40 minutes later.

But Next Belle has grass track form, finished close-up in stronger fields of late and is working in the best shape of his 46-start career.