Locals chase black type at Addington

Matt Markham

One of the first major targets of the new year goes on the line at Addington tomorrow night for the mares.

And there’s a Mid Canterbury lass hoping to make her mark in black type racing.

The Brent and Tim White trained Better’s Tart will contest the Group Two Premier Mares Championship tomorrow night, looking to continue a wonderful start to the season in which she’s won twice from two starts.

But it won’t be easy.

As good as she has been so far in 2023, the dour mare hasn’t faced the quality of Group One credentialled mares such as Allamericanlover, Manhattan, Life’s A Beach and Callie’s Delight – all of whom she faces, among others, tomorrow.

And then there’s the small case of a niggly barrier draw.

From the outside of the second row, Better’s Tart and her pilot, Kimberly Butt will need plenty of luck if they are to punch through and find a handy position in the $50,000 event but if she does make her way near to the speed her toughness alone will have her fighting out the finish.

And with key players like Allamericanlover and Manhattan both drawn wide, there’s an opportunity for that to happen too.