Newcastle premiership winner Roy Roots jnr believes He's The Warrior and Deanne Panya can help his team settle into their new stables with wins at Tamworth on Sunday.
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Roots jnr completed the move to Central Mangrove last Sunday, ending an era of harness racing training at the Keinbah property where he, Shane Tritton, Clayton Harmey and the late Clarrie Sweeney all enjoyed success.
Tamworth hosts Golden Guitar heats and the 3YO Star Maker Final on Sunday, and Roots jnr has chances in both. He's The Warrior will be among the top hopes in the Star Maker, where he has gate five.
The Kiwi import started his Australian career with two wins at Newcastle before a third at Menangle in September. He returned from a spell with third in the Star Maker Prelude on Wednesday night after leading and Roots jnr expected an improved showing on Sunday.
"We weren't too worried if he got beat the other night," Roots jnr said. "He only had the one trial and we knew he'd be better for the run. He pulled up well and I expect him to run a lot better race."
Five heats of the Golden Guitar will also be on the program and Roots jnr has Deanne Panya in gate one of the second. He said Alabama Shakes and Yayas Hot Heart would probably be scratched from other heats.
He was confident Deanne Panya would continue her charge after three wins to start her career in Australia.
"She's a really nice mare and she's come up with a good draw," he said. "She's got plenty of high speed and she's got a bit of bottom, but there's a few good ones in it."
"Hopefully she can get it into the final."
"I've won the Golden Guitar before [in 2011 with Jasper Gold]. It's not an easy race to win. You've got to have the right type of horse, but she's probably my best chance of winning it again."
