Hardy’s Revenge to kick off on home track

Following an encouraging preparation at the end of last year, Hardy’s Revenge will be resuming on his home track (Matamata) today in the maiden event for three-year-olds over 1200m with gun jockey Rory Hutchings in the saddle.

He would have kicked off his campaign earlier this preparation, although has played victim to a run of horrendous barrier draws, and today was not too far off either.

“He just couldn’t draw an alley,” co-trainer Chad Ormsby stated.

“We didn’t want to give him a hard run first up, and needed a to draw a decent gate, but it is what it is and I think in his fresh up state he can be competitive.”

Hardy’s Revenge was able to produce two trial victories before producing gallant debut performance last year at Ruakaka which saw him run third to the eventual Group 1 placed Levin Classic winner Sardaaj.

To Thursday and Unknown Pleasures will be hoping to cap off some consistent performances of late as she heads down to Hastings for the Rating 75 event over 1600m.

“Ideally we wanted to step her up over ground after her last start, but we couldn’t find anything suitable so we have kept her at the mile,” said Ormsby.

“It has been a while between runs, although she’s fit and I would be disappointed if she didn’t give this field a decent shake.”

Unknown Pleasures will be partnered by inform jockey Danielle Johnson and will be searching for her third career win to date.