Racing: Trainer talks tough

Van Winkle will start favourite for tomorrow's $30,000 Winter Oats Handicap at Trentham, which brings up a couple of amusing points.

Trainer Evan Rayner wants to see rain in Wellington, which is not generally something trainers have to worry about in the Capital in July.

And, anyway, he can bring Van Winkle to Auckland if that is his only concern.

The second remarkable is that Rayner wants Van Winkle to have a hard race, again something trainers producing horses to the Trentham winter meeting are not generally praying for.

More likely, they worry about equine coronary with horses coming off a track that practically no other racing precinct in the world would allow horse racing on.

Floundering generally replaces galloping.

The Wanganui trainer has another concern - he gets the feeling trainers of rivals for next week's Trentham Hurdles are trying to avoid him.

If enough of them get that into their heads, the Wellington Racing Club may not get sufficient entries to stage the race.

"I've had a few asking where I'm going next week. I get the feeling they'll dodge Van Winkle if they can.

"If the club gets enough horses to run the race, that is really going to help us. If they don't, it will be a disaster."

Take no notice of the fact Van Winkle has been well beaten in his last two flat races - he is well able to mix jumping and flat racing and looks particularly well placed with 55kg in this event.

Also, Rayner is convinced Van Winkle is better this winter than for the previous two.

"He's doing so well this preparation, better than he has for a while. So much so that I'm having to work him more than I used to. In fact, I'm working him twice as hard."

Despite Rayner's fears to the contrary, there is little doubt Van Winkle will have a tough race tomorrow. Rayner demands it - he knows if the track comes up very heavy for the Trentham Hurdles next week he will need to have a super fit horse on his hands.

"Jumpers at Trentham in July have to walk around with their heads on the ground. I've been there before, there's no use arriving at the start with your ears pricked."

Van Winkle will be ridden by Paul Taylor.

On recent form Starbo will attract support, the move up to 2000m definitely being in his favour.

The fact that he has to concede 2kg to Van Winkle will be of no assistance though. Van Winkle is a big individual and manages weight well.

The 55kg Van Winkle has is only 0.5kg more than he carried in the Rotorua Cup in May and this is no Rotorua Cup line-up.

"He should run a cheeky race," was Rayner's understated preview.

Wellington wish list

* Trainer Evan Rayner wants to see rain in Wellington to assist Van Winkle in the big race at Trentham tomorrow.
* He is keen to see the big stayer have a tough race in preparation for next week's Trentham Hurdles.
* Rayner believes Van Winkle will be right in the action tomorrow despite being beaten in his last two flat performances.