Hu Keas won well enough at Oamaru on Sunday to suggest another win was within his scope at Washdyke tomorrow.
The Bruce Hutton-trained trotter finished second to Warder at Washdyke at his previous start after starting from 20m.
Trainer Robbie Holmes has earned a following tomorrow after winning four races at Addington on Thursday night. He has Scot's Courage (race 6), Rojam Cullen (race 7) and Sobek (race 8) engaged.
Holmes won with Paul Harnett's Creek, Tehoro Diva, Smiling Star and Black Redemption on Thursday.
Holmes drove Te Horo Diva and Smiling Star. The other two were driven by stable junior reinsman, Robbie Close.
Smiling Star, who was having his first start, led and resisted several challenges. He ran a 2.00.9 mile rate for the 1950m (mobile).
Smiling Star is a 3yr-old gelding by Grinfromeartoear and the sixth winner left by Sagitta. She is the dam of Deimos (five wins). Smiling Star is raced by the Forever Smiling syndicate. Smiling Star was bred by Cee Bee Holdings Ltd and bought back for $12,500 when offered at the 2010 premier yearling sale.
Black Redemption, who was having her fourth start, is a 4yr-old mare by Washington VC from the Safely Kept mare, Highview Dream.
• Additional information for the meetings today:
Auckland RC
Scratchings:
Race 4: Halls.
Race 9: Dancing Diamond, The Terminator.
Weather, fine, track, slow (9); rail, out 10m.
Taranaki JC
Scratchings:
Race 1: Daichi Dancer.
Race 3: False Empathy.
Weather, fine; track, slow (7), rail, true.
Otago RC
Rider:
Race 5: Perzoom - J Bates.
Scratchings:
Race 5: Aqualine, Starborogh Lass.
Race 6: All My Colours, Moneyforjam, Queen Pearl.
Race 8: Santos, Sun Valley, Lastofthedragons.
Weather, fine; track slow (8), rail, out 6m from 1400m, out 3m remainder.
