Lazy Patrick heads back to the unruly
Garrick Knight - Raceform • January 15th, 2026 11:35 AM • 4 min read
Proven performer Son Of Patrick just needs a clean getaway to be a factor in Thursday’s $20,000 Bebbington 90th Anniversary Trotting Cup at Hawera.
The problem is the usually reliable beginner has botched the start in his last two outings.
Co-trainer Neita Balle, who trains in partnership with father Derek, is Son Of Patrick’s staunchest advocate and is quick to defend one of those blips.
“The first one was not his fault,” she told RaceForm. “We will put that one down to the starter because he was supposed to be off the front and he let them go when the horse was 10 metres behind them. Harry (Orange, driver) chased him up to catch them and he broke. We tried to get him declared a non-runner, but it was declined.
“The last start was a bit of a head-scratcher, so we’ve put him back on the unruly this week. Harry says he’s so laid-back he’s being lazy and not concentrating, so hopefully this sharpens him back up.”
Son Of Patrick is a veteran of 12 wins – mostly at Cambridge – but has won on the grass before.
He was in very good form before his recent indiscretions and accordingly bookies opened him a $5.50 fourth favourite on Tuesday.
The classy Higher Power will no doubt go around in the red for trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan and prove very hard to beat should he bring his best manners.
The dual-gaited Conrad H is likely to line up on all three days at Hawera and is currently enjoying a stint as a trotter. He won recently for junior driver Brooke Wilkins, who will retain the drive this week.
“I think he’s just a girl’s horse. He loves me driving him and seems to love Brooke driving him too.
“I won on him at Hawera last year and ever since it’s been our aim to get him back there for this meeting because he just loves the grass.
“It’s a drop back in grade this week and we’re really happy with him, so I can’t see why he won’t go a good race.”
Two good performances at Alexandra Park recently have hinted that maiden trotter Joe Kennedy is closing in on his first win.
He’ll likely start second favourite on Thursday in a maiden front trot worth $12,500, with out-of-form race winners 30 metres behind.
“Going off his last start, and with the field not being that strong, you would have to think that if he steps away, he’s going to be a strong chance.
“He’s a bit ignorant and not really a juniors’ horse, so we’ve got Sailesh (Abernethy) driving him this week because the Butchers aren’t heading down.
“He runs in on the straights and out on the bends – he’s a funny sort of a horse – but there is a bit of ability there.”
Trotting mare Westar Milly has also headed south for the stable and will likely race on Sunday.
“She’s been a bit behind the eight ball due to a foot abscess – it’s why she missed the Golden Gait.
“Dad’s plan is to work her on the grass on Thursday and if she’s up to the mark, she’ll probably line up Sunday.
“If she’s not quite ready, she’ll head to Taupo next week instead.”
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