WITH five runners engaged at Port Pirie on Saturday night trainer Waylon Hornhardt summed up his prospects in one hit “with a bit of luck we could have a good night.”
Hornhardt’s crew include Topnotch Mach, Rhyflective and Reddy Major, which are among the leading contenders in their events.
Winner of his last two starts Topnotch Mach has drawn barrier five in the opening event on the program
The son of Mach Three scored against claiming company at Globe Derby before registering an eye-catching win at Mildura a fortnight ago.
The gelding’s rivals include his stablemate Arden Castle which will begin from gate two.
“Topnotch Mach is in great form but it’s still going to be hard from the draw,” Hornhardt said. “If the speed is on and he can see day light and get a few gaps here and there he’ll be in the finish.
“Arden Castle is first-up from a break, and although he has been working well, is in need of the run.”
Rhyflective will spring into action in the following event, with the gelding also drawn five.
Racing in consistent form with three wins and two seconds from his last six starts, Rhyflective is likely to be sent forward early by reinsman Wayne Hill.
“If Rhyflective finds the top he is going to be hard to beat,” Hornhardt said. “He put in a massive run to win at Mildura two starts ago and then backed-up two days later for a good second at Port Pirie.
“It’s an even race but he’s a strong chance”
Hornhardt then has Crazy Dave drawn the outside of the front row against open company.
“Crazy Dave is more of a claimer and it’s a pity the claiming race didn’t stand up,” Hornhardt said. “He needs everything to go his way in this.
“He will probably be coming from the tail of the field and it’s hard to win around Port Pirie from there.”
Reddy Major will round out Hornhardt’s assault, with the son of Art Major facing an arduous task from the outside of the second line.
“Drawing 12 is not in his favour so will have to push forward early,” Hornhardt said. “If he can get a good possie early he will be hard to hold out.”
