Duke can rule for new boy Steve at the Abbey

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Saturday 21st Jan 2006.

The Abbey Stadium management have been in talks over the last three months of appointing two new trainers, and ex-Milton Keynes trainer, Steve Rayner is the first to appear on the Abbey books.

Trialled in and ready to take the plunge, Rayner made his debut appearance with his first Swindon runners last night and tonight he will see his recently-qualified Wood Duke start from five in race five (8.35pm), where he will be high hopes of landing his first Saturday night win.

Les Wallington's Spancil Hill is likely to lead the way in the first (7.35pm). Starting from five, Spancil Hill will have to fend off kennel-mate and neighbour in four, Geronimo Tiger.

Wallington's closest rival will come from Duncandisorderly, trained by Alan McDowell. This trap two entry remains in the A8 grade despite having already won back in December, and will threaten to endanger Wallington's brace.

Everybody's favourite, Hot Jewels traps from six in the next (7.50pm). Darryl Porter's each way specialist is a must for place wagers. Pete Swadden's Back Tothe Shop replays on the Blunsdon scene after a short lay-off.

In the fourth (8.20pm) Don Elliott's Thompson Panache returns to the red box and with this switch back to trap one, Elliott's runner has an exceptional chance of returning to winning ways.

After a hopeful flying start to Saturday night racing for the newly-appointed Rayner, he will certainly have to look no further than his trap two entry, Wood Dew in the sixth (8.50pm).

Rayner's railer has shown excellent improvement throughout qualifying and should take this race by storm.

In race nine (9.35pm), one of two A1s tonight, it will be Jimmy Little's Hencliff Ketsia in three who will be looking to rekindle some winning form after incurring a barging match last week.

But it is Paul Walden's Mipsaway Tony in one who is not only in race winning form but has an excellent draw from one, just inside Stuart Cogan's new arrival in two, Cashen Mario.

The last race of the night (22:35) stages the second of the two A1s and despite being the slightly weaker of the pair, Darryl Porter's Cool Golfer will be more than happy of the drop in form.

Tonight's tips Race one (7.35): Trap 5 Spancil Hill, trio 5-2-4.

Race six (8.50): Trap 2 Wood Dew, 2-4-3.

Race nine (9.35): Trap 1

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