Racing: Training duo have strong sprint hand

Bois is a talented sprinter who could upset the favourites. Picture / Brett Phibbs

Fresh from their latest feature race win with stable star Cog Hill at Ellerslie last Sunday, in-form Pukekohe trainers Richard Collett and Shane Hapeta will have a major hand in Woodstock Bourbon Sprint at Thames tomorrow.

Even though only a fraction of the stake of the $100,000 Rich Hill Mile, victory in this $15,000 R94 event by either Superalloy or Little Jess will still be well received by the training partners.

Superalloy will be lining up for the first time since an uncharacteristic unplaced effort in late October.

His earlier spring form included a late closing second to Pin Up Boy over 1200m at Hastings.

That performance gained further merit when Pin Up Boy finished third after setting the pace in the Railway Handicap at Ellerslie last weekend.

With a record of two wins and three placings at tomorrow's 1200m distance, Superalloy has a lot in his favour, especially with the benefit of a trial outing two weeks ago.

Whereas he will have the services of experienced jockey Vinny Colgan, stablemate Little Jess gets a 2kg reduction in her handicap through being ridden by apprentice Troy Harris.

The pairing have a proven record, having combined for a win at Rotorua this time last year as well as finishing fourth in similar company at Avondale a month ago.

The biggest danger to the Pukekohe stablemates is the McKee-trained runner Aria.

She finished two places ahead of Little Jess when second to Dipped N Grey at Avondale.

From the inside alley regular rider Lee Tiley should be able to make good use of Aria's gate speed, an obvious advantage on this track.

At his best topweight Sound The Alarm would manage this opposition with ease.

But even if his latest form is some lengths below that former standard he deserves respect.

Trainer Richard Otto rated him worth an acceptance for the Railway Handicap and after failing to escape the ballot he warrants respect in this far easier assignment.