Trainer Ray Green and driver Andre Poutama discuss Friday night’s encouraging debut by Hilary Barry.
Everyone stoked with Hilary Barry’s debut - and Hilary calls her amazing
By Barry Lichter • 19 January 2019
Hilary Barry didn’t win on Friday night but her fine debut fifth thrilled her trainer and her Seven Sharp namesake.
And the filly remains on target for the March 8 Young Guns Fillies’ Final at Alexandra Park.
Television presenter Hilary Barry wasn’t able to watch the race live - she was on a flight at the time - but she has seen a replay.
“The human Hilary Barry can’t fast enough to save her life but the equine version is amazing,” she says.
Hilary Barry strides out during Friday night’s race at Alexandra Park.“I thought she did brilliantly, she was right up there with the leaders and showed tonnes of potential (in my humble opinion).”
Snookered four back on the markers early from her inside second row draw, driver Andre Poutama manoeuvred the filly to three back on the outer for the last lap.
Trainer Ray Green says he started getting a bit excited 150 metres from home when it looked like she might run in the money.
“She rushed into it but just flattened out the last 50 metres.
“I was quite happy with her. She went great.
“With that run under her belt and a better draw she won’t be far away in the final.
“If she gets a two hole trip she’ll be in the money for sure.’’
Poutama described the run as very encouraging.
Hilary Barry, arrowed, runs right into contention behind the leaders.“She fought all the way to the line.’’
The news on stablemate Beaudiene Blinkz, who ran last, is not so good.
“She pulled up a little off,’’ says Green.
“She didn’t look comfortable on the track and and wasn’t a happy horse afterwards.
“We’ll get the vet out and see if we can find the problem.’’
More news in Harness
All hail Debbie, the new speed queen of Alex Park, as she tackles a mile from the pole
Ray reaches for the half hopples to keep Whats Up The Hill trotting at Cambridge on Thursday
Debbie Lincoln’s sizzling win has namesake Debbie Green excited about the future
A Moose in his happy place is a fast Moose but programming hurdles lie ahead
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Thursday night at Cambridge
Race 1: Whats Up The Hill
4.59pm
“Fergie wasn’t exuding praise for him after his last start when he galloped away. But we’ve taken everything off him this time, no half hopples, no fixed deafeners, and that’s the same as when he won at Auckland last prep.”
Race 5: Lincoln La Moose
6.45pm
“The winner had it handed to him last time, when he went only 2:45.9, and that meant he outsprinted our boy with a 56.3 last half. When we won the previous week he went 2:40. He likes to roll along, so it will be tempo dependent. It’s his first go from a stand and only second at 2700 metres so we’ll find out if he likes it.”
Ray’s comments
Friday night at Auckland
Race 3: Debbie Lincoln
6.49pm
“We’ve never really tried to leave the gate with her but, from the inside draw, she has the advantage and should lead or trail. You’d have to say on her last run she’s the best chance of our trio.”
Race 3: Sugar Ray Lincoln
6.49pm
“He’s thriving and looking very well. He was only just beaten last time and, from two, should get every chance.”
Race 3: Kevin Kline
6.49pm
“His closing sectionals were very fast last week and he never goes a bad race. The draw isn’t as desirable, but the small field helps.”
Race 4: Tyson
7.21pm
“He had to do a lot of work last week. You can never count him out because he’s so tough.”
