Winton driver Allan Beck hopes his day starts off in the perfect manner at Wingatui today when he climbs into the sulky behind Jetenara.
Beck, who drove a winner at the Forbury Park Trotting Club's meeting at Wingatui last season, takes the reins in the opening harness race behind the Jereme's Jet 3yr-old with plenty in his favour.
Jetenara has run third in two of his last three starts, and looks to be edging close to a win from barrier 2.
"He's been consistent in the last three starts,'' Beck said.
"He's been on the grass at Gore, so that's not going to be a problem. From the draw, he'll be pretty competitive.''
Beck said the Kirstin Barclay-trained youngster had early speed, which he will look to use from the 2200m mobile start point.
"He's not bad off the gate and he'll hold his possie, so that will help.''
Beck's other three drives might fall into the "experienced'' category.
All three - Van Eva, Tubby Jim and Vera's Delight - are 6yr-olds with 203 starts between them.
Van Eva (race 3) has drawn wide in barrier 7, but Beck believes the grass track will help after a fair run for sixth behind Sioux West at Ascot Park last weekend.
"It wasn't a bad run considering the field and they went 3.20 for 2700m at Invercargill,'' Beck said.
"With the grass track, it will suit her, as it will take a bit of speed out of the other ones. She's the sort of horse where if she got the right run, she could run a place. She's more of a grinding type.''
Tubby Jim (race 5) has earned a cheque for owner-trainer Barry Gooch in two of his last three starts, including a placing at Gore on March 6.
"I drove him at Gore and he ran third on the grass. He's more of an old battler.
"He's one of those horses that will run in the first four but it's hard to see him beating them.''
Vera's Delight (race 6) won well at Gore before finishing sixth at Waimate last weekend, and she has placed in her only look at Wingatui.
"She's in form, so she's a definite chance and you'd need her in the mix,'' he said.
"She seems to be a follower in her races, so she'll probably go back and look for cover then try and get dragged into it.''
