McDermott trio primed for Motukarara

By Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk

Prebbleton trainer John McDermott is looking forward to heading to Motukarara Raceway on Sunday where he will line-up three runners on the grass surface.

Ruby’s Delight will back-up in the Neville McNee Memorial Mobile Pace (2000m) after her win over 2600m at Rangiora on Wednesday.

It was a deserved victory for the daughter of Bettor’s Delight, having posted four successive placings prior to the winning result.

McDermott has been pleased with the way she has come through the run and is expecting a similar result after drawing the ace marble on Sunday.

“She is a very honest, genuine mare and she won pretty comfortably on Wednesday,” McDermott said.

“Backing up has never been a problem for her. I expect her to run another good race from the draw.

“I wish I had a stable full of horses like her because every time she lines up she does her very best. She is very genuine.”

McDermott will also line up her American Ideal half-sister Topaz, who will be looking to find form in the Happy Birthday Murray Hamilton/Morrison’s Saddlery Pace (2170m) after disappointing on Cup Day.

“She got run off her feet on Cup Day and in retrospect I probably made an error putting her in that race,” he said.

“I think she will be a better horse in 12 months time, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see a good run from her on Sunday as she did go a good race on the grass at Methven.”

McDermott’s final runner on Sunday will be Refine, who has also drawn barrier one in the Paul Renwick Joinery Fillies & Mares Mobile Pace (2000m).

“I have been very happy with her work this week,” McDermott said. “I wasn’t surprised by a better run last start (for third).

“I will be disappointed if she doesn’t go another nice race.”