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Time Bomb has got the stable nod for Hawera on Sunday.
He will be one of two representatives for Janelle Millar in the Sandfords Rural Carriers 1600m with the New Plymouth trainer also starting Effectav.
“He’ll handle the track better than the mare and with the lighter weight I’d go for him,” she said.
Time Bomb was a solid third when resuming from a spell at Awapuni last month and then finished sixth on his home track under 59kg.
“The weight got to him, but he has been working really well since and he loves heavy going.”
The winner of four races, all on rain-affected going, Time Bomb will benefit on Saturday by Wiremu Pinn’s four kilo claim.
While Effectav’s three victories have all been on dead surfaces, Millar is hopeful she can cope at Hawera.
“She has been galloping really well,” she said. “She’s older now and she’s got a bit of wear and tear in her joints.
“We’re hoping she can get away with it on a heavy track, it would be nice to get another win with her.”
Effectav was unplaced last time in an open handicap at New Plymouth, but the Tavistock mare did have a valid excuse.
“She went into a hole 600m from home and Masa (Tanaka) said he nearly came off her,” Millar said. “She has come through the race well though.” – NZ Racing Desk.