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Race previews

Race 1 @ 5.45pm - #9 Keep It KlassyI'm really happy with her progress since her Hawera run.  While it'll be hard off 30 metres, I do think she's a tidy place chance.Race 2 @ 6.13pm - #6 Shez The OneNothing went her way last start so we're hoping for better luck tomorrow.  On exposed form she looks a nice each way hope....

Our purchases from the 2024 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Christchurch

The boss was straight back into it today securing two lots, taking our total to six across both Auckland and Christchurch.Both colts have attracted plenty of interest since the fall of the hammer however, limited shares are available.Once again, both were presented superbly by their vendors Shard Farm and Dancingonmoonlight Ltd.Details of our purchases today:...

Our purchases from the 2024 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Auckland

It was a busy day yesterday at the National Standardbred Yearling Sale with Arna Donnelly Harness Racing taking home four lots.  Activity was fierce in the bidding ring but we managed to secure what we wanted.Three of the four have been purchased by existing client's.  Shares are available in lot 101 but you'll need to be quick as she's filling fast.Thanks to vendors Alabar (NZ) Ltd, Woodlands Stud (NZ) Ltd and Hollis & Robertson Equine Services who presented them beautifully. ...

Race previews

Race 2 @ 6.26pm - #8 Beta PrepareIt's a full field of maidens and the outside barrier makes it a tough ask.  If he's running on in the later stages I'll be happy.Race 7 @ 8.48pm - #3 The Surfer & #10 Le MajorFirst cab off the rank in the Harness Million is The Surfer.  I thought it was a game performance stepping up to the top 3 year olds last week.  From his draw let's hope he finds a cosy spot and gets a shot at them.Le Major was well in need of his ...

Little Spike latest winner for Piercy's

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Race previews

Race 7 @ 8.07pm - #6 Cracker RockCracker Rock steps out following a very tidy workout on the weekend.  On exposed form he'd have to be a key player.Race 8 @ 8.32pm - #2 Apple Of My Eye & #9 Carolina MoonAn early indiscretion put Apple Of My Eye out of play on the first day.  Let's hope she gets around safely and has her chance.Our second runner Carolina Moon will require a bit of luck from the second row but I wouldn't count her out as a place hop...

Race previews

Race 1 @ 12.00pm - #10 Keep It KlassyIt was uncharacteristic for her to break during the running.  If she puts it together, she's a handy chance.Race 7 @ 2.30pm - #6 Bad Medicine & #10 New York MinuteThe ever faithful Bad Medicine was devoid of luck only getting a gap late in the piece.  While he may not have beaten the winner, I think he would have finished in the first three. Keep him safe.Our second runner New York Minute jumped out of it ...

Little Spike continues to surprise Arna Donnelly

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Race previews

Race 1 @ 12.00pm - #13 Keep It KlassyShe's returning after a let off and will certainly benefit from the outing.  I'd have to say she's a false favourite but let's see what happens.Race 10 @ 4.49pm - #9 Bad Medicine & #12 New York MinuteWow what a line up the Stratford Cup is.  When I went through the field I thought any runner could win the race.No one could deny Bad Medicine victory if this was to transpire.  He'll step well, so has to rate as a tidy...

Race previews

Race 2 @ 2.30pm - #9 Carolina Moon, #10 Cracker Rock & #12 Shez The OneWe open with Carolina Moon who starts from one on the second row.  Not a lot has gone her way of late and from the draw it looks as though she'll need plenty of luck.First starter Cracker Rock follows out the hot favourite so it's not all bad.  He qualified well but will definitely benefit from the outing.  Having said this, he could be a sneaky place chance.Shez The One made u...

Race previews

Race 2 @ 5.38pm - #2 Carolina Moon & #3 Shez The OneOur first runner is Carolina Moon.  It's a big field of maiden fillies and mares, but hopefully she lands close to the pace and gets her chance.It was a tough ask for Shez The One first up so we'll be looking for a softer trip.  Her key advantage is barrier 3 over the sprint.  Stick with her as I think she'll be right amongst it.Race 6 @ 7.37pm - #5 The SurferThe Surfer is resuming afte...

Expressions of Interest - NZB National Yearling Sales

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Race previews

Race 2 @ 6.13pm - # Carolina MoonShe managed to find plenty of bad luck last start so let's hope she gets her chance from a good draw.Race 3 @ 6.39pm - #4 Turnpike JoeNothing went his way at Cambridge last time but he still stuck on bravely.  While it's a tidy line up of horse's in search of a penalty free win, I still think he's a bright hope.Race 6 @ 7.54pm - #4 Bad Medicine & #6 New York MinuteOur in form runner Bad Medicine slots into the race well.  He...

We close off 2023

That's 2023 wrapped up.  All in all it was a good year equalling our best season 2 years running with 38 NZ wins and 2 in Australia. Some key highlights include:4 Cups (Cambridge Gold Cup, Manawatu Country Cup, Wairarapa Cup, Manawatu Cup)2 Sires Stakes heatsGroup placingsListed win and placing300 career training winsThanks to all our loyal client's who entrusted us with their horse's.To my staff, family, volunteers and driver's your efforts have been greatly appreciated.And let's not ...

Race previews

Race 2 @ 6.11pm - #7 Carolina MoonShe chipped away on Christmas Eve but has a wide draw to contend with tomorrow.  We'll be looking to take all the shortcuts and hope for luck in the running.Race 3 @ 6.36pm - #2 Pacing HopeThey gathered her up late in the piece last start but she did do a bit early.  From barrier 2 she looks a tidy place chance.Race 5 @ 7.37pm - #7 Turnpike JoeIt was a super effort last week after finding a gap late in the piece.  It's always hard o...

Race previews

Race 2 @ 2.46pm - #5 Carolina Moon & #6 Jacqueline RoseCarolina Moon fought on well at Palmy last start.  There are a couple of well backed maidens in here and from the draw she'll need luck.  I see her as a top four or five player.Our second runner Jacqueline Rose has had two placing in her last two outings.  While she had her chance on the second day at Manawatu, with the right run she could feature.Race 6 @ 4.47pm - #1 Bad Medicine & #10 New Yor...

Race previews

Race 3 @ 6.20pm - #3 Jacqueline RoseIt was a game effort after being 4 wide from the 700.  She has a draw so we need to take advantage of it.  On paper she looms large.Race 4 @ 6.45pm - #4 Carolina MoonAnother who had a tough run on the first day.  Saved for one run she's a top four chance.Race 6 @ 7.35pm - #10 Mr PresidentHe was going easy when looking for a gap.  With any sort of luck he'd have to be a leading contender.Race 7 @ 8.00pm - #1 Pacing HopeIt...

Race previews

Race 3 @ 4.40pm - #6 Jacqueline RoseShe brings solid Alexandra Park form to the meeting, so you'd have to say this is a significant drop in grade.  Even from her wide barrier she looks a key runner.Race 4 @ 5.05pm - #7 Pacing HopeThe sprint home at Cambridge last week didn't suit but she's back to her preferred distance.  It'll be hard from the outside of the arm, but look for her to be finishing it off.Race 7 @ 6.20pm - #3 Mr President & #4 DennyMr President&nb...

Race previews

Race 3 @ 6.53pm - #4 Little SpikeHe makes his debut following two very tidy workouts.  I've got a lot of time for him but whatever he does he'll improve on.  Having said this, he's a genuine winning hope. Race 5 @ 7.43pm - #8 Bad MedicineWhile he looks the best horse in the field, the outside barrier over 1700 metres makes it a tough ask.  He'll still give you a great run for your money.Race 6 @ 8.08pm - #7 Pacing HopeShe's another who has t...

Race previews

Race 2 @ 6.19pm - #3 Jacqueline RoseShe's racing great and her work this week has been super.  From her handy draw she looks a tidy each way chance.Race 3 @ 6.44pm - #8 Keep It KlassyI can't fault her form and once again she looks well placed.  I see her as a lovely top three contender.Race 7 @ 8.34pm - #1 DennyIt was a good effort at Palmy against higher assessed horses.  The ace draw brings him right into contention.  Another who looks a lovely each way prosp...

Race previews

Race 1 @ 5.06pm - #7 Tequila SunriseShe finally got her day in the sun yesterday and meets the same field again just off a handicap.  She's one to cover in your trifecta/first four combinations.Race 3 @ 5.54pm - #6 Carolina MoonI'd have to say she was disappointing on day 1.  From her wide draw she'll need everything to go her way.Race 4 @ 6.28pm - #7 Turnpike JoeI was happy with his debut effort as he kept fighting right to the line.  Even though he's drawn aw...

A day out at Manawatu Raceway

The day started out as it was meant to go on when maiden trotter Tequila Sunrise drew first blood in the opening race.  The lightly raced daughter of What The Hill justified her favouritism in what was a perfectly executed drive by David Butcher."She's the second horse I've had for Woodlands Stud so it was nice to get a win on the board for them," said Donnelly.  "She hasn't had a great deal of luck in her races so I was hoping she'd get her turn at Palmy and she duly did."...

Meredith upbeat about his Manawatu drives

21 November 2023Cambridge-based junior driver Zev Meredith's heading south to the Manawatu confident he can add to his winning tally this season.Meredith's enjoying his best ever season with 17 wins so far and he's also secured a spot, along with Sarah O'Reilly and Crystal Hackett, to represent New Zealand at the Australasian Young Drivers' Championship in Queensland next month.Today he has six drives on the seven race programme, headlined by Bad Medicine and Pacing Hope."It's a nice book of dri...

Race previews

Race 1 @ 3.45pm - #3 Tequila SunriseShe hasn't managed to find a lot of luck in her races but definitely gets her chance tomorrow.  Starting off the front tape is a big advantage.  On exposed form she looks a tidy each way chance.Race 3 @ 4.49pm - #4 Carolina MoonFrom her handy draw she has options.  She's only had one start from our barn and it was over a mile so it was hard to get a proper line on her.  Having said that, we'll be looking for improvement.Race 4&nbs...

Race previews

Race 2 @ 12.26pm - #10 JolimontWhile I believe he's one of the best horses in the races, a lot depends on what happens from his draw.  If he gets any sort of luck he'll give them a decent shake.Race 9 @ 4.12pm - #6 Le MajorIt looks as though he'll come into 4 which gives him a few options.  I couldn't be happier with him so I'm sure he'll run a cracking race.Race 11 @ 5.20pm - #6 KangoHe's turned up a perfect draw so definitely gets his chance.  If he lands han...