HARNESS RACING
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MARRAR trainer Andrew Roberts believes a front row draw could be the key to getting the chocolates at Wagga Paceway on Sunday.
Got The Chocies will contest the South City Old Boys R1-R3 Pace over the unusual journey of 1365 metres at Sunday's combined harness and greyhound racing Easter meeting.
Got The Chocies has enjoyed four runs this preparation coming off a near two year break and is drawn ideally in gate three for Sunday's assignment.
Leigh Sutton takes the drive and Roberts hopes Got The Chocies can find the front and take some running down over the short trip.
"He should be nearly fit enough now after four runs back from two years off," Roberts said.
"He's always had the ability, he's just been in the paddock because we never had time to work them.
"I think both he and Striding Success should be able to find the front and be out of trouble.
"I think if he runs along in front, they'll find it hard to make up ground from the back over the 1365 metres."
Got The Chocies spent time with Malcolm Diebert early in his career and then was transferred back to Roberts.
He has returned two third placings and two fourths from his four runs back this preparation.
Last start he made up good ground when fourth behind Temporary Use last Sunday in a $10,000 heat of the Menangle Country series.
It is with another heat of the series in mind that Roberts picked out Sunday's restricted race.
"There is another heat of the $10,000 races coming up in May and it's for C1 only, that's the only reason I put him in this," Roberts said.
Striding Success is Roberts' other runner on the card when she contests the Redbank Lodge Standardbreds Mares Classic Prelude (2165m).
Striding Success has shown above average ability early in her career and has returned from a break with two sevenths at Wagga.
Blake Jones will take the drive from gate four in the six horse field and Roberts expects a bold run.
"She's been in trouble in both her runs this time," Roberts said.
"She's had bad draws and found a bit of trouble.
"She should be able to lead. Blake's had some good success on her and knows her well."
The first race on the harness racing program at Wagga starts at 1.14pm with the last set for 5.30pm.
The first of the greyhound races gets underway at 12.20pm.