Lee and Shannon Hope hoping for success before disqualification
PUNTERS will get one more chance to back a Lee and Shannon Hope-trained runner after the pair were granted a stay of their disqualifications to see out their runners at Benalla on Thursday and Kilmore on Sunday.
The Hopes were given lengthy suspensions due to administering cobalt to three runners earlier this year and will subsequently serve their suspensions at the end of racing on Sunday Kilmore.
The decision allows the Hopes to train five horses at Benalla and five runners at Kilmore where bettors and followers of the Hopes can back what will be their final runners in many years.
Lee and Shannon Hope Sunday schedule at Kilmore:
Race 2 – Archer City:
Looks a strong chance after a last start second placing at Wangaratta. Doesn’t look to be any exposed form in the race and it should be well favoured.
Race 4 – Drawn To You:
First and only start for the Hopes and it was primed for this with a recent trial at Tatura where it finished third. Breeding suggests it might be better down the track, but watch the market for any positive movement.
Race 5 – Danvito:
Won well last time out on this track and it took its record to three wins from 17 starts. There are some quality types in this field with Bel Sir, Schneller and Absolute Treasure, so it might pay to keep in mind for place money only.
Race 6 – Best Suggestion:
Had four runs last campaign for four placings and it gets the favourable inside draw for this. This isn’t the easiest of fields, but its place percentage is 64.29 and that’s good enough to suggest backing on an each way basis here. Has a light weight at 54kg which also helps.
Race 9 – Indelo:
Has needed three runs back this campaign and it looked much better when running second last start. Hasn’t won for a while now which is a concern, but expect a solid run to see the Hopes off.