Dunn “A” Runner (Friday 13th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
The Perfect Storm brought his “A” game to Ascot Park yesterday and could provide West Melton trainer Robert Dunn with his first Southern Supremacy Stakes winner.
The three year old impressed when winning the Mark Jones Racing Stables 3 year old Mobile Pace by two and a quarter lengths at the Northern Southland meeting.
“It worked to plan. We wanted to ease him out of a mobile because he tends to over race. With some of his races in Christchurch he’s got engaged too early, has over raced and hasn’t found the line. It was a good drive by Johnny. He got him into the one one and made one sweeping run. He's got a lot of high speed so it was a good effort today,” said Dunn.
The Perfect Storm is a full brother to Rider On The Storm; the winner of thirteen races and holder of the Southland and New Zealand 2400 metre mobile record for three year olds. Dunn says both horses are very similar.
“Nearly identical with the same ability I reckon. He’s (The Perfect Storm) got that same high speed that he can carry for a long time and he’s a beautiful gaited horse like Rider.”
Dunn says The Perfect Storm will return to Ascot Park on the 28th January and fulfil the two race qualification criteria for the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes.
Meanwhile Rider On The Storm last raced in Auckland in May before injury caught up with him once again.
“He’s out for another six months. We had his ligaments really good after his operation and he was away from the scene for seven to eight months. He had those two great runs in Auckland for a fifth and a second. Then he got some swelling in the bottom of the ligament rather than the top, so he’s spelling. We’ll have another crack and spend a lot more time in the swimming pool with him the next time. We have a new six head laser coming in from Australia which will help. Trainers like Peter Snowden and Peter Moody use it a lot.”
John Dunn and The Perfect Storm hitting the line - James Jubb
He’s also upbeat about another colt that’s a full brother to Rider On The Storm and The Perfect Storm.
“He’s only a little fella but he’s a great gaited horse, and I think in twelve months time he’ll be down here chasing the Supremacy as well. He’s got a great feel about him.”
Southern Sun Finally Crowned (Sunday 29th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
She hadn't won a race for 21 months and yesterday's win by Southern Sun was the first with the mare for new trainer Tony Stratford since he officially bagan training her in December. It was undoubtedly the seven year old mare's biggest win, and comes as a reward for a long list of seconds and thirds (17) in her fifty two starts.
Yesterday was her fifth start for the new season and Stratford says she'd run some good races without too much luck.
"In her first up race in the Wairio Cup they went 2-57 (2400 metres stand) and she finished eighth. She went really well in the mares race at Winton and never got a run (5th). I believe she could have won the race if she'd got a run up the straight. She was a bit dissapointing at Roxburgh but we made her do a bit that day which possibly didn't suit her."
From number six behind the mobile Southern Sun was taken back by Dunn. From what seemed a hopeless position he managed to find a later passage through the field in the last 100 metres to get her up to beat The Receptionist which ran home well down on the passing lane.
"It was a beautiful drive from Dexter. He was back third last when nothing was moving and when you go to the rails it's always the shortest way home," said Stratford.
Race sponsor Noreen Stiven from Arden Lodge with Southern Sun, owner Mandy Davis and trainer Tony Stratford- Picture Eddie Griffiths
Southern Sun is by colonial sire Thunder N Lightning out of Mystic Maiden which prior to Southern Sun had left open class trotter Mystic Sun. Stratford says this will probably be Southern Sun's last season of racing.
"Mandy is going to put her in foal next season and she'll probably just race out this season and that'll be it."
The Robin Dundee Crown was a race that yours truly and the late Phil Denton initiated. Together we ran an annual harness quiz series to raise money to firstly get the race off the ground and then fund it. The first Crown was run in February 1990 and was won by Margaret Fields trained and driven by Peter Bagrie. The stake that year was $12,500. Yesterday's event was run for $11,000.
Carville's Cup (Sunday 29th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
As expected the high-flying Ohoka Texas kept his unbeaten run in Southland when he impressively won the $40,000. Group Three Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup yesterday.
The four year old owned by Kate, Olivia and Adam Carville and trained by Mark Jones has now won five of his six starts this season and lifetime stakes of over $142,000.
Ohoka Texas bobbled at the start of the 3200 metre trip but settled fifth. Jones started his run forward with 2000 metres to run taking the lead from second favourite Artiface with 1500 metres to run. From there he started to put the screws on his eight opponents. Franco Ledger looked likely to challenge at the top of the straight but Ohoka Texas held all the cards winning by a length and three quarters from the brave Southlander.
"He always races pretty lazy. You've got to drive him hard and try to make it into a stayers race and if someone wants to park him good luck to them. I knew Davey (Butt driver of Artiface) would plan to make me work. That's a good bit of competitive driving and lucky we came out on top this time but it doesn't always turn out that way. It was tough out there in the wind but with his (Ohoka Texas) attitude he digs in better than most. Halfway up (the straight) I saw Franco Ledger come. but at the line my horse was going away again," said Jones.
Ohoka Texas beating Franco Ledger and Artiface in yesterday's Invercargill Cup - Picture Eddie Griffiths
Although Ohoka Texas is by Christian Cullen Jones says he's unlike most of the stallion's progeny.
"He's completely opposite. A lot of them are speed horses and not very tough whereas he hasn't got a lot of speed but is tough."
His trainer says plans for the four year old don't include the end of season Harness Jewels.
"The Auckland Cup's an option and we may look at the Waikouaiti Cup (Sunday February 12th), and Super Stars. The Easter Cup would be his last race of the season. He can then go in the paddock and have a New Zealand Cup campaign next season. The Auckland Cup is 50-50 so it's probably the Waikouaiti Cup at this stage."
Regardless of when he finishes, Ohoka Texas will spend his break at Kate Carville's property.
"Katie looks after them and they get first class treatment. If I ever had a holiday that's where I'd like to go too," he laughed.
Neville Cook from the ILT and Kate Carville with the Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup - Picture Eddie Griffiths
Dolan Gets More Southland Dollars (Sunday 29th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
Loburn trainer Steve Dolan has an enviable racing record in Southland.
Since November 2009 and with only a handful of starters he has won eight races and $71,510. in the province, with Franco Jamar (5), and Dream Out Loud (2). And yesterday Castellina Lover added to the list.
In the third heat of the Nevele R Fillies Series Castellina Lover started from eight on the front line of the mobile 1700 metres where she was taken back by driver Dexter Dunn which caused a few worrying moments for Dolan.
"Yes I was worried that she was back a little and the leader was getting away on us, but you always trust Dexter to make the right decisions and he didn't want to go into the head wind. That's why we get those sorts of guys to drive because they're just good judges of pace," he said.
Safely through the run Dolan and co-owner Grant Adamson are now targeting some of the bigger three year old fillies races later in the season.
"She'll have a couple of weeks off then we'll look at racing her in the Nevele R Final and the New Zealand Oaks and hopefully go onto the Harness Jewels as long as he's eligible."
When questioned about the filly's ability to handle the longer staying distance of the Oaks, Dolan thinks she'll manage it later in the season.
"I think by then she will. The shorter distance races is what I've been sticking to because I think it just suits her at the moment. She's starting to relax in her races and even though she's got her head high today Dexter said she's not a problem to sit behind. She just relaxes, and drops the bit. She has been really aggressive at home so it's a surprise to me but she's just got better and better. She's a beautifully gaited horse and she's got a lot of speed but mentally she's just a fraction behind some of those other horses. But that'll change hopefully. I think by the end of the season she'll be right up with the good ones."
Going into the first bend in yesterday's heat Dunn had a handful of horse and Castellina Lover did start to race greenly.
"She doesn't wear an overcheck or an undercheck. She can get her head around and just race a bit greenly. Because she's still learning and is a filly we have left her alone at this stage. I'm reluctant to put rein prickers and an undercheck on. Because she's talented and getting the job done, we'll worry about that sort of thing further down the track."
Peter O'Rourke (Nevele R), Grant Adamson, Steve Dolan, Debbie Smith (Nevele R) and Dexter Dunn with Castellina Lover - Picture Eddie Griffiths.
The filly is owned by stable client Grant Adamson and Dolan's wife Leanne.
"I met Grant when he rang up to buy Franco Jamar but I didn't want to part company with the horse so he took a quarter share. From there I have developed a good business and social relationship with him and he's been an awesome supporter. We'll continue to buy yearlings at the sales and I'm hoping it'll be a long lasting relationship. He's a good fella and I've enjoyed having him on board and it's been really important to me."
Adamson bought Castellina Lover for $32,500. at the 2010 Sale of the Stars and and gave Dolan a half share to train. The share was tranferred to Leanne.
Castellina Lover, which was originally named Deli Licious, is out of Delizioso an In The Pocket mare which won four races. She's a full sister to Under Cover Lover the winner of twenty one races and $864,923.
Cox Jaccka Justyfied (Sunday 29th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
Southland reinman Jonny Cox drove Jaccka Jack right through to open class but now his attention has switched to driving it's younger brother Jaccka Justy - the new rising star in Southland trotting circles.
"Jack's always been my drive but I jumped off him onto Justy which was Charlie's (trainer Charlie Smaill) choice and I'm happy with the way it's worked out. I've always said he was better than Jack and as long as he keeps improving he should win at least as many races as him." said Cox.
In yesterday's Brendan Franks Farriers Special Handicap Trot, Jaccka Justy started well from the unruly mark and was soon trucking forward.
"Once we're covered the first 100 to 150 metres and he was trotting good I let him roll forward and he felt pretty good in front the whole way. It was pretty windy out there and we didn't go too hard. We sprinted home so that suited him and he had a bit left in the tank." said Cox.
The win was the Continentalman gelding's seventh from just seventeen starts.
"He's come a long way in a short time and he's stepped up each time I've asked him to. He panicked a bit at his last start but that's just part of learning. His manners are winning him races. He's got high speed and he can stay a bit so I think he can make it to the top grade but whether he can beat them is a different story. They're a pretty good bunch of trotters at the moment but he won't be a mile off them."
Jaccka Justy is owned by Charlie and Ailsa Smaill and is giving the whole family immense pleasure. Cox says it's likely that Jaccka Justy will race at Waikouaiti (Sunday 17th February) before being turned out.
It's a family affair with Jaccka Justy - Picture Eddie Griffiths
$102 Tommy (Sunday 29th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
One commentator described it as "the upset of the century" when Southland bred pacer Highview Tommy beat two Australian superstars - Sushi Sushi and Smoken Up in the $125,000 Group One Ballarat Cup last night. In doing so the product of Highview Stud in Riverton paid a massive $102. on the Australian tote.
It was a complete form reversal for the six year old which finished down the track in last weekends Shepparton Cup.
While Sushi Sushi and Smoken Up were head to head at the top of the field, trainer/driver Mark Purdon sat Highview Tommy four back on the outside.
At the top of the straight Sushi Sushi went clear of Smoken Up and Purdon set Highview Tommy five wide to storm home down the outside. He beat Sushi Sushi by half a head with Smoken Up a further four metres back. The 2710 metres was cut out in 3-17.9 a mile rate of 1-57.7.
Highview Tommy after winning last years Invercargill Cup
The night of racing at Ballarat was dominated by New Zealand horses. Kiwi horses quinellaed the three Interdominion Heats. The Fiery Ginga and Vulcan were the first two home in the first heat, Stylish Monarch and Springbank Richard quinellaed the second, while I Can Doosit deadheated with Aussie trained I Didn't Do It in the last heat with Sovereignty second.
Southland driver Nathan Williamson said at the Invercargill Harness meeting yesterday that he would return to Australia at the weekend to drive Springbank Richard. He drove the trotter to win on the first night of the heats while his father Phil, drove the Sundon gelding last night.
The meeting also saw the return of glamour New Zealand pacer Auckland Reactor in narrowly winning his race, so it was a stella night for New Zealands leading trainers Mark Purdon and Grant Payne.
Two Big Nights For Southland Breeders Across The Ditch (Sunday 22nd January 2012)
Bruce Stewart.
In recent seasons Southland bred standardbreds have been to the fore in Australia. Names like Im Themightyquinn bred by Dave Kennedy at Otautau have lead the charge.
The export market to Australia is more than ever very important. In the current economic times many owners and breeders pin their hopes on getting horses good enough to sell for good money, to help keep the stable and the dream going.
Also at this time of the season all breeders hope that their mares' progeny are winning races on both sides of the Tasman as they prepare younger brothers and sisters for the March yearling sales.
Over the last few days Southland bred and reared horses have scored a wide range of results in Australia and the charge has been lead by pacer Im The mightyquinn and locally bred and owned trotter Springbank Richard.
Springbank Richard proved too tough in the first heat of the Seelite Windows and Door Trotters Interdominions at Shepparton last night.
Driven by Southland reinsman Nathan Willaimson, the gelding was posted wide early before moving to sit parked outside fellow New Zealander The Fiery Ginga. The pair put the pressure on the rest of the field with 400 metres to run with Springbank Richard beating a late run from Sovereignty by three metres with The Fiery Ginga in third. The eight year old is owned by Southlanders Alister and Denise Smith.
This is Springbank Richard's third trip to Australia. In 2007 he won the HRI Victoria Trotting Derby at Maryborough.
Nathan Williamson and Springbank Richard after winning at Ascot Park
The Charlie Smaill bred Jaccka Clive kept the ball rolling when he won the Group Two Shepparton Cup and gained automatic entry to the $425.000 Big6 Hunter Cup at Tabcorp Park which will be run early next month. The seven year old is by Tinted Cloud out of the Falcon Seelster mare Cabsav Jaccka.
Jaccka Clive was initially trained by Ivan Gutsell and Megan Irvine at Wyndham before he was bought by BF James and transferred to Brent Lilley's barn. He won for that stable on the second day of the Nelson meeting in January 2008 and was then exported to Aussie. He now races for the BFJ Bloodstock Trust and has won 24 races in Australia including his last three starts. He has now won over $200,000. in stakes.
Cabsav Jaccka unfortunately died in 2006. Her 2003 Live Or Die colt Malabar won 29 races and $493,329 in Australia. The mare's only other two foals; both filliesd also died.
The Colin Baynes bred The Phantom also won at Shepparton last night. The Bettor's Delight gelding has now won his last four and has chalked up ten wins from just nineteen starts.
Meanwhile locally bred Erle Dale still owned by Makarewa breeder Bill Keeler won at Menangle last night. The four year old gelding by Western Terror out of Cath Hanover beat a small field over 2300 metres in 2-49.5 (mile rate of 1-58.6.).
He qualified impressively at Gore in April 2010 when winning by eight lengths and was made favourite at his first and only New Zealand start at Gore in May 2010. He finished third behind Jellignite and Southwind Arden. He was then exported to Australia where he has now won ten races. Dam Cath Hanover has also left Cordon Hops (15 wins) and Mister Dale (8 wins).
There was also a Southland connection to the winner of the Group Three Garrards Teeny Teeny Stakes at Menangle.
The winner Our Torias Secret was bred by the late Peter Cowan of Canterbury and the estate of the late Andy Laidlaw of Tisbury. She's a seven year old mare by Mach Three out of Flyin Score. Our Torias Secret won five races in New Zealand before going to Australia where she' s won a further seven including her last five starts, all at Menangle. She won the 1609 metre feature for mares in 1-54.0.
On Friday night Im Themightyquinn won the $250,000. Freemantle Pacing Cup at Gloucestor Park. Dave Kennedy has a full brother Themightynadal in the Sale of the Stars at Christchurch in March.
Another winner at Newcastle was Tallyho Bromac. His dam Tanisa Vance is now owned by Mark and Pauline O'Connor of Myross Bush.
Tanisa Vance which has left quality performers in Kotare Jaegar (8 wins) and Ross The Boss (10 wins and 1-50.1 USA) has a Just A Tiger foal at foot which is likely to be offered at the 2013 Yearling Sales in Christchurch.
Tanisa Vance and her Just A Tiger colt
On the domestic front it was great to see Le Sol get back to winning form at Addington, beating another locally bred gelding Arden Tetrick. Although the gelding has won on the course as a two year old he has been beaten into second three times in group races behind Thumpem, and Major Mark.
Owned by the Jayrkay Syndicate and trainer Tony Stratford the four year old has now won four races and $141,620. in stakes but is still assessed as C3 pacer.
The well bred Garden Rose won at Banks Peninsula today. She's owned by John Stiven and his mother Noreen. She's by Artsplace out of Winter Rose and is a half sister to the well performed Better's Strike (16 wins), last start winner Southwind Arden (4 wins) and Bella Arden which won her last start at Addington on Friday.
Garden Rose as a foal at Arden Lodge Tapanui
Highview Allan (Thursday 12th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
The record of broodmare Baptism Of Fire makes part owner Allan Clark proud.
Clark owns the Christian Cullen mare with his wife Kerri the mare's first four foals have won nearly $850,000; her best being Highview Tommy which Clark sold at the 2006 Sale of the Stars.
The young Riverton breeder has been taking horses to the national sales in Christchurch since 1995 and even before that as a seventeen year old he prepared them for his father Dave for the local Standardbred sales at Gore and Invercargill.
He is largely self taught although he did spend one summer preparing thoroughbred yearlings at Curraghmore Stud. His introduction to standardbred broodmare ownership came in 2005.
Clark said “Dad went to the sales in 2003 and bought four fillies including Star Traveller (Christian Cullen – Star Favourite), Baptism Of Fire (Christian Cullen – Lady’s Day), Rose Vear (Holmes Hanover – Les Payzen Star)."
Baptism Of Fire was initially leased to clients of Canterbury trainer Ken Barron.
“She was a January foal. Ken tried her and she did have ability but curved a hock so she came back to Dad and we put her in foal.”
Baptism Of Fire was send to Bettor's Delight and it was at that point that she was given to Allan to kick start his own breeding career. The mare first foal Highview Tommy was born the following year.
“He was a typical first foal - small and he was ugly because he had a roman nose but as he grew you could tell he was a bit different. You know when you get a good one because they do things differently. He never got caught up in the games that other yearlings played. You’d feed him in the paddock and he’d kick his feed bowl over. Tip it on the ground, roll, and then get up and eat his feed. He'd do that every day twice a day but he grew into a magnificent looking yearling.”
Highview Tommy was presented by Clark at the 2006 Sale of the Stars in Christchurch and was purchased by Michael House foe $40,000. Not bad for a first sale.
“As a first time seller you tend to get stars in your eyes. He was the first foal out of a Christian Cullen mare to be sold at the sales and being a Bettor’s Delight who had topped the two year list in America that year, I was disappointed. But in saying that he was a bit on the small side.”
House took the colt home and got him running along before presenting him at the 2007 Ready To Run Sale where he was sold on to Hazel van Opzeeland, and Glenyls and Phil Kennard for $200,000. He then went into training for Mark Purdon and Grant Payne.
“Before Highview Tommy raced Dad went to the sales (2007) and bought his sister Highview Chartom ($45,000) and Hazel took a half share in her as well. Tommy was the fastest Ready to Run horse so it wasn’t hard to work out what was going to happen if he got on the racetrack.”
The buy proved to be a good one for Dave Clark with Highview Chartom winning five races. She has since been retired to stud and is in foal to Rock N Roll Heaven.
Blair Orange and Highview Tommy after his Invercargill Cup win
Baptism Of Fire continued her success as a broodmare with her next foal Highview Chasue selling to van Opzeeland and Chrissie Dalgety for $72,000. She is now a four year old and has won four races from just seventeen starts.
The mare's next foal was Highview Teejay - also by Bettor's Delight and he was sold for $90,000 at the 2010 Sale of the Stars. From just seven starts he has won three races, the latest at Cambridge. He is also part owned by van Opezeeland.
Baptism Of Fire's next foal was a colt by Art Major. Unfortunately he died but Clark has high hopes for the mare's lastest, a colt by Bettor's Delight which is now on the ground at Highview.
“He's by far the most outstanding foal from the mare. Tee Jay was more athletic than Tommy but this fella’s a big strong foal.”
The full brother to Highview Tommy and Highview Teejay
Baptism of Fire has been served by Rock N Roll Heaven.
“I’d he happy to get a filly or a colt. She’s a young mare at only ten and as long as she’s commerical I don’t mind if the fillies come later on. I will go back to Bettor’s Delight at some stage though.”
This year Allan is preparing nineteen yearlings for the Christchurch sales in March - seven for Day One and twelve for Day Two. Most are owned by Highview Standardbred Limited.
Isaiah is a colt Allan has time for. He's by Art Major out of EJ Becks and is a half brother to Cody Banks.
“He’s probably one of the nicest colts I’ve ever had. He’s kind and works with you and he’s just a stunning individual. I’ve had a lot of people here looking at him and they think he’s amazing.”
Isaiah (Art Major - EJ Becks)
He's preparing a Great Success trotting colt out of a half sister to Our Sunny Whiz (19 wins) which he also likes.
“Kerry Shaw (PGG Wrightson representative) liked him as well. He looks like a straight out two year old and that’s what the market demands. He’s got great quarters on him.”
South Coaster (Great Success - Early Surprise)
Apart from yearling preparation and working with mares Highview also stands Christian Cullen stallion Just A Tiger. He was the winner of nine races over three seasons winning $162,222. Perhaps his best performance on the track was when, as a three year old, he ran second to Auckland Reactor in the Flying Stakes at Addington. The 1950 metre journey was cut out in 2-20.5 a mile rate of 1-55.
Just A Tiger
He covered twenty four mares in his first season in 2010 and Clark says the foals on the ground look good.
“We couldn’t be happier. We feel as though we've ticked most of the boxes. The last box is how they run. He's thrown horses very much like himself which is a good sign for a stallion. We’ve had them in the boxes and they're also good natured. We’ll sell some as weanlings at the sales and then we’ll nominate the best of the rest for the sales. There are also a couple of fillies we may keep for ourselves."
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Just A Tiger - Congo Smoke colt |
Just A Tiger filly out of Highview Mystery
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Monte Wins For Tank (Friday 13th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
Former Southland pacer Montecrengle returned south and won his first race in six months for trainer Paul “Tank” Ellis.
The quality five year old started his career with Winton trainer Lauren Pearson, winning his first start at Winton in April 2010. He was transferred to Ellis’s stable in June last year.
“He’s had a few little niggly problems. I’m at Kaiapoi on the beach so we’ve brought him up on swimming, riding and beach training, keeping him off the training track. It seems to have worked as he’s come back a lot stronger and muscled up over the back end. He’s always had the ability but I think the beach training has agreed with him. He’s a nice horse but you just have to get him right on the day,” said Ellis.
Easy winner -Montecrengle - James Jubb
The Christian Cullen gelding has noticeably developed and Ellis says he hasn’t changed too much gear wise.
“His hopples are a bit longer. I think he’s a bit stronger in behind because of the swimming and beach work.”
Montecrengle is owned by a couple of shearing mates Maurice Stevenson and Scott Mortimer.
“They worked for a fella called Monte Crengle. He was from Woodlands and a bit of a legend out that way so that’s how he’s named.”
Ellis says the gelding could stay in the province and possibly target the Invercargill Cup meeting in two weeks.
“He’s probably not a horse you’d want to back up straight away. We’re staying at Ben Calder’s so we’re able to swim him. I might leave him down here with Nathan (Williamson).”
Broodmare Gem For Nathan (Friday 13th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
Broodmare IIona Del has provided Southland driver Nathan Williamson with two individual winners in Jasmyn’s Gift and Phil’s Gift and he’s hoping the ‘source’ of winners from the mare will continue.
Yesterday’s winner Phil’s Gift (Sundon - IIona Del) is trained by Murray Tapper at Levels and at his last start at Cromwell he broke and was pulled up. But Williamson was quietly confident that if the gelding stepped he would be a winning chance at Ascot Park yesterday.
“All he had to do was bring his manners and he was always going to be tough. He began slowly but safely and after we’d gone 100 metres he got rolling and we went round to the front. He was tackled in front a couple of times, but he held them all off just by a nose in the end,” said Williamson.
It was Carnley that provided the last challenge, but Phil’s Gift dug deep to win in the closest of finishes. Williamson says he should develop as he gets older.
“He’ll get better as he gets older and when he learns to relax in his races. At the moment he gets keen early. He needs to learn to take a trail which he is not too keen on yet. Once he gets his ringcraft he’s going to be a very smart horse.”
Phil's Gift and Nathan Williamson just beating Carnley and Allan Beck - James Jubb
Phil’s Gift is out of the Speedy Summit mate Ilona Del and is a full brother to Jasmyn’s Gift; the winner of seventeen races. Williamson drove Jasmyn's Gift to win four races in a row between August and September 2006 and later that season won his first Group One race on the mare – The New Zealand Trotting Free For All. So are there any comparisons between the two?
“They both have good engines. He feels more of a speedy type whereas she was an awesome stayer.”
Williamson is also training the mare's next foal Prince Del (two year old by Monarchy).
“He’s had two preparations and he just looks a horse at this stage but it’s never easy to tell. So once we start cooking him we’ll find out what he’s made of.”
Struth Cobber (Friday 13th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
Racing as a maiden against tighter assessed horses is not the conventional way to race, but because he figured the gelding needed to gain experience to match it's talent, thats what co-trainer Robin Swain decided to do with his trotter Cool Cobber.
The four year old was having his sixth start yesterday and he was up against Talkmeintoit the winner of four races, and a field of other higher graded trotters.
“There’s no doubt his ability, it’s just a matter of ringcraft and getting as many runs into him,(as possible)” said Swain who trains Cool Cobber at Knapdale in partnership with the gelding’s owner Colin Baynes.
The four year old, after qualifying impressively, had recorded three duck eggs in his first three starts. However, he started to get his act together with improved runs at Invercargill (4th) and Roxburgh (2nd).
Swain made some minor alterations to his gear for yesterday’s run.
“I had the Murphy blind on him which had a reasonable sized hole in it. But today I taped it up (to make the hole smaller) because I found that when horses are rushing past him on the inside he just wants to race a bit and that’s when he doubles up and gallops. I thought we’d try something different today. It might be a fluke but it's done the job.”
Swain also says that it’s important not to have him stand for too long at the start but he is starting to step away correctly.
“Early on he didn't know how to come back into a trot when he went out in a pace (at the start) but he’s definitely improved that way. This time next year he should be getting through the grades and be a bit more tractable.”
In yesterday’s ICE Bloodstock Special Handicap Trot Cool Cobber was nursed away before Swain took him to the lead with 1700 metres to run and after that his driver was confident.
“He’s got a reasonable sized motor in him and just with the ability he’s shown at home I thought it’d take a handy horse to beat him. There’s another $10,000. race coming up at the Invercargill Cup meeting and after that I might give him a wee break.”
Cool Cobber - James Jubb
Bonus For Compton Street (Friday 13th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
The Murray Brown trained Compton Street was racing out of his grade against C2 horses yesterday at the Northern Southland meeting but he had the qualities required to win The Balfour Tavern and Motels Mobile Pace.
“He raced out of his grade today but the C1 (grade) was equally as strong so we thought we’d have a go at the C2 race as it was a harness plus race. He might have a wee break now as he’s had six or seven tough runs and he’s done a good job,” said driver Andrew Armour.
From the outside of the second row Armour was able to move through the field from the mobile dispatch and secure the one one early. He then moved the Bettor’s Delight gelding out with 1600 metres to run to sit parked outside leader Cheryl West.
“He got a real good run early so that helped him but he is better out rolling. He lacks a bit of high speed. He relaxed nicely out there (parked position) - he just plugs away.”
Compton Street hit the lead at the top of the straight and held on to beat Chokullen, which trailed the leader and came up the passing lane by a nose.
“He’s been beaten a couple of times by a nose so I wasn’t that confident but we finally got one to go his way. He’s probably one of the better horses in the stable. He’s got a lot of good qualities so hopefully he’ll carry on.”
No Ifs And Butts With Davey's Cup Drive (Friday 13th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
After two great runs in Auckland the Balcairn trained Artiface carried too many shots for a quality field in yesterday’s $50,000 Group Three Kina Craig Stud Northern Southland Cup.
“The start of the race won it for him. He jumped well and was travelling well all the way. He’s a good front runner so we stayed in front,” says driver David Butt.
The Mach Three gelding was able to get away with some slow middle sectionals before peeling off a 55.4 last 800 metres to beat favourite Mah Sish by two and three quarter lengths with Glencoe VC a neck back in third.
“He’s got better all season. He ran second in the Kaikoura Cup in November and raced well in Auckland. He’s done a good job really and he’s going to be competitive with the Cup horses. It’s always a step up and you don’t win out of turn against them but he’ll be up there one day I think.”
Yesterday’s win was Artiface’s eighth from only eighteen starts and elevated his stake earnings to $108,783.
The Invercargill Cup could be next for the five year old.
The run of Glencoe VC indicated that he is destined for a big future while Franco Ledger also ran on well for fifth. There was also improvement in the runs of Flying Diamonds (6th) and Lord Forbes (8th).
Scarrymcleary Win; 300 for Barron (Tuesday 3rd January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
Scarrymcleary's win at Omakau yesterday was a milestone for Makarewa trainer Tony Barron. It was the horseman's three hundreth winner.
Barron began is training career with his father Ron in the 1989-1990 season, and subsequently branched out on his own in the 1996 season. Thirty eight of the three hundred wins were with his father - the balance on his own account.
Prior to yesterday's win Scarrymcleary had won his first start for the season at Winton in September and had also recorded two thirds, but was turned out after a disappointing eighth at Invercargill.
"After the provincial drivers day he had ten days off and then Vin (owner Vin Nally) jogged him up. He does a great job running the syndicate, he feeds them well and they come here in great condition," said Barron.
The freshener obviously did the trick.
"The last time we had him racing I think he was going through a growth spurt. I was also chasing the free wins with junior drivers and provincial drivers races. He seems to race best fresh and with his races spaced. The whole breed is like that, Paddy O'Brien, Red River View and Jane's Cullen. I said to the guys that he could be the best since Paddy O'Brien."
In yesterday's race Scarrymcleary was parked early before getting cover when Izshebad came around to sit parked. Driver Dexter Dunn took him out four wide at the top of the straight and he powered home to beat False Promise by a length and a half with Red Ransom three and a quarter lengths back in third place.
"Dexter said he was just jogging and it was the best he'd felt."
Scarrymcleary is likely to target the Northern Southland meeting on the 12th January at Ascot Park.
"They've got very good stakes and it's right at our back door."
Meanwhile Barron was also happy with the improved showing of Addies Girl which ran fourth in her race yesterday.
"Her last start was below par. I think she was going through a growing stage as well. She's a big mare and is filling out. I might take her to Auckland. She a lot happier going that way round. We hope to get some black print and breed from her."
Barron is based at Roxburgh with his team of eleven racehorses. He's also preparing five colts and a filly for the Sale of the Stars in March from his Makarewa stable.
Scarrymcleary after his win at Gore last season.
Glow For Grices (Monday 23rd January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
Based on trials form it was widely tipped that first starter Over Glow would go well at Ascot Park today and that's how it turned out.
Trained by Gil Shirley and driven by son Brent the three year old filly is by Life Sign out of the Holmes Hanover mare Glowing Hanover and there was some confidence she’d go well today.
“She’d been training well. It’s always a different story on race day but I did have confidence leading into the race. She did it today on raw ability and I’d say time will be a blessing for her. She has got the ability. We’ll hopefully win another couple and then turn her out. She’ll make a nice four year old,” said Brent Shirley.
Although slow away Over Glow didn’t take long to get herself into a good position in the Zilco Products Pace.
“She missed away a bit but they didn’t go hard so she had time to catch the field and settle. She ended up three back on the outer. Clark (Barron) went at the 600 (with Benihana) and we got the drag until the top of the straight and from there she just had to do enough (to win).”
Brent Shirley
The filly is owned by Bill and Karen Grice and the Shirleys have had good success with the family.
Glowing Hanover’s first foal Kiss Of Fire was sold from the stable to Australia where Shirley says she won eleven races while the mare's second foal was sold to clients of the Butt/Anderson stable and went in the wind without showing his full potential. The Shirleys train the mare's next foal Thrill Factor which has won two races and Over Glow is her next foal.
Hunting A Quinella (23rd January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
The Hamish Hunter trained Just Gorgeous won bragging rights in the first two year old fillies race of the season raced at Ascot Park today.
All eight starters were having their first start and there was plenty of movement during the running of the Johnson’s Oysters Limited Mobile Pace.
“Certainly there were some green young ones going around and we were part of that but she was pretty accomplished for a two year old at her stage. Her performances (at the trails) so far had been very good so we were reasonably confident that she would get around and behave herself. She’s a good staying filly so I was pretty sure she’d stick on alright,” said Hunter.
Just Gorgeous settled second last before improving four wide with a lap to run. She briefly sat parked before getting the one one. Hunter then reined her forward with 300 metres to run and she hit the front at the 200 metre mark and held on to beat the late comers.
Just Gorgeous is owned by Hunter and long time stable client Ray Cleary. He and Hunter bred the two year old from I’m Gorgeous (Peace Of Art – Moonshaker) which won three races for the pair.
Moonshaker is a daughter of Big Softie which Hunter trained in the early eighties. The Nevele Bigshot filly won a heat of the Southland Oaks, was second in a DB Fillies Heat and third in the Central Southland Equine Stakes. She was then trained by Richard Brosnan running second in the New Zealand Oaks and third in the DB Fillies Final.
Just Gorgeous warming up for Hamish Hunter - Photo Megan Graham
It was a good result for the Ryal Bush trainer. One of his other runners Beaudiene Beyonce driven by Tracee Sherborne was a half a length back in second.
Hunter said both fillies will continue to race in the Southland Two Year Old Fillies Series.
Tom Goes To Town (Monday 23rd January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
There aren’t many maiden horses that win by eight and half lengths in a time 2-47.4 for 2200 metres mobile on an off day, but favourite Jaccka Tom caned them at the Invercargill meeting at Ascot Park today.
Driver Andrew Armour took the four year old straight to the front. He was challenged for the lead by Adam Sanderson and All Our Zuri but carried too many guns for his struggling rivals running his last 400 metres in 28.9.
The four year old was having his second start after running fourth at Gore in October for trainer Murray Brown.
“We had him as a three year old. He wasn’t strong enough as he was a big slabby horse so we turned him out. We qualified him and he had his first start at Gore then he got a cold so we had to chuck him out again. He won last week at the workouts by three or four lengths. They don’t win like that unless they’re alright,” said Brown.
The gelding is owned by Charlie and Ailsa Smaill and is by McArdle out of True Jaccka. He’s a half brother to Jaccka Turbo which won five races for trainers Graeme Anderson (1) and Wayne Adams (4).
Brown is likely to look for a junior drivers event for the gelding.
Coutts Cup (Friday 6th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
It was a remarkable run.
False Promise was second last turning for home in yesterdays Currie Motors Toyota Roxburgh Cup and in front of him were some classy horses, including San Rafaella, Still Coughin, Flying Diamonds and Christian Ruler.
The five year old, with trainer driver Keith Coutts, lead early before handing up to Christian Ruler. Still Coughin swept around to the lead before he too handed up to favourite San Rafaella with 800 metres to run - leaving False Promise four back on the running line.
The finish looked likely to be between the leading five with False Promise four lengths off the back of this group at the top of the straight but Coutts hooked him wide and he rattled home to win by a half a length.
"He likes the heat on so the harder they go the better he goes. He was on the bit all the way and I thought about running up the passing lane but decided to bring him down the outside. They seem to try better when you bring them down the outside. He's best when you get one run at them," said Coutts.
Keith Coutts bought False Promise for $6,000 and owns the gelding with his wife Lorraine and granddaughter Angela.
"Craig D Thornley drove him at a couple of trials and said "Couttsy he can run" so that's how I got interested in him. I said to the owners that I'd give them $6,000. They said $7,500 so I walked away. They came back and said okay."
He's by Life Sign out of the New York Motoring mare Festiva which is a half sister to Swift Mirage the winner of seven races. He's very closely related to Chokin.
"The mother was up for sale recently in foal and with a foal at foot. She went for $17,000. I wish I'd bought her."
The dual gaited False Promise qualified as a pacer at Mount Harding Racecourse in November 2009 and as a trotter a year later at Ashburton. He has started four times as a trotter - the last time at Addington in November, finishing sixth behind Sunbrite.
"He lost a 100 metres and went up to them but then went up in the air. He can trot as fast as he can pace. I'll race him again as a trotter when he gets a bit older and matures."
False Promise is the veteran of seventy three starts. As a pacer he'd finished second behind classy performers Pay Me Cullen and Empyrean. He started in last years Pelorus Classic at Blenheim finishing last but behind Choise Achiever, Smiling Shard and Franco Emirate.
Prior to yesterdays win he finished second behind Scarrymcleary at Omakau on Monday, and Coutts plans to start him in the Alabar Cromwell Cup at the Wyndham meeting at Cromwell on Sunday.
"He was pawing the ground when he got swabbed so he was just wanting to get on with it. He cleans up his feed and backs up good. He loves the travel and is a real gentleman."
Coutts and his wife Lorriane have had success with Staka Pride (15 wins), Bella Chip (5 wins) and Lorraine had a share in Lento (15 wins) so the family is no stranger to success. They also raced trotter Darby Doll which won six races.
"She raced with a different shoe on each foot. The older she got the worse she got at trotting so we retired her. I'll send her to Diedre Don."
Coutts also has high hopes for qualified pacer Double Vision; a three year old by Red River Hanover out of Far Sighted which is a half brother to the Ken Barron trained Still Chokin.
"Every time Still Chokin started he was favourite. I was talking to Ken one day and said I had a half brother to him (Still Chokin) and he asked what it was by and I told him Red River Hanover. Hhe said nothing but I think he thought best of luck. We've had the best by Stakhanovite (Staka Pride), Lislea (Darby Doll) and Peoples Blue Chip (Lento) so we might just get the best Red River Hanover."
Double Vision, which is related to Roydon Glen qualified at Ashburton but is unraced.
"He can run but hangs a bit so I just need to sort him out."
Hellboy Wins Again (Thursday 5th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
The Wayne Adams trained Hellboy continued on his winning way at Roxburgh today.
The three year old by P-Forty-Seven won on debut at Winton last month and produced a gutsy performance to narrowly beat Mead Quaffs by a head to make it two from two.
"He went bloody well. He begins like a bullet which was why we were here today to go around this tight track. I had to take hold of him going into the first bend as he all but galloped. After that he handled the track okay but not 100 percent. He bowls along nicely in front and the other horse (Mead Quaff) actually headed him but the the more I got up him the more he gave," said driver Adam Sanderson.
The gelding is owned by Ken Scott who works during the winter for breeders Dave and Pat Jones of Rakaia.
Sanderson says the gelding won't be rushed and is likely to start at the Invercargill Cup meeting where there is a $10,000 one win mobile event on the programme.
"He hasn't seen a mobile since he's been down here so we'll have to take him to the Invercargill workout."
After the Invercargill race Hellboy's connections will get a better idea of whether he'll measure up to the better three year olds this season.
Undue Risk Wins For Robbie (Sunday 8th Janaury 2012)
Bruce Stewart
Given the perfect trip by driver Robbie Holmes, Undue Risk got up to win the Murray Brown Stables/Goodman Plumbing Mobile Pace at the Wyndham meeting at Cromwell today.
The mare sat parked before taking the lead briefly. Franco Seville then took over with Undue Risk dropping in to trail. Holmes waited until the 200 metres before moving Undue Risk off Franco Seville's back and she ran to the line strongly to win by three quarters of a length.
Trainers Geoff and Jude Knight are the five year old's third trainers.
"She was sent to us because of our swimming pool and grass track training. She does get sore in the hocks. It was the perfect run for her today. The speed was on and she likes to have one lick at them. She put a few rough ones in at the finish because I'd pulled her hopples up and she wanted to stretch out but couldn't," said co-trainer Geoff Knight.
The Badland's Hanover mare is owned by Robin and Geraldine Wilson who bred her from their Equitable mare Welfare Woman.
"She's (Undue Risk) a half sister to Raglan who they also raced. Her future is as a broodmare but we'll try and find a soft racing option for her. The C2 grade is a tough one so we may look at Waikouaiti."
Undue Risk was originally trained by Brent Lilley before Terry and Glenys Chmiel trained her. The Knights took over training her in October last year and she won her first race for them at Forbury Park in November.
Robbie Holmes also drove her mother Welfare Woman to run second at Forbury in March 1996. She was trained by Ross Hope.
Right Rein Robin (Sunday 8th January 2012)
Bruce Stewart
Robin Swain pulled the right rein when he choose to drive winner Young Tommy over his brother's horse Billy The Bus which finished second in the Alexandra Four Square Supermarket Pace at Cromwell today.
Swain had driven Billy The Bus trained by Murray Swain to run third at Roxburgh on Thursday but elected to take the drive on the Ken McRae trained Young Tommy who started as the fifth win favourite today.
"I was a bit disappointed with his (Young Tommy's) last start (7th) but he was only two and a half lengths from the winner and a mobile is not his go. His second at Gore was behind Hellboy which won again at Roxburgh so his form wasn't that bad," said trainer Ken McRae.
Young Tommy began well and trailed The Ulitmate Kina. Billy The Bus sat parked and took the lead with three hundred metres to run. Young Tommy came off the rail and was brought three wide to go on and win by a length and a half. It was the gelding's twelfeth start and before today's win he'd recorded a second and two thirds.
The four year old, which is a half brother to Bud, is raced by Ken Baynes. He qualified at Gore in February 2010 running the mobile 1700 metres in 2-06.7 and mile rate of 1-59.9 so plenty was expected from him as a three year old.
"He's strengthened up since last year and he's out of a Safely Kept mare who was out of a Cameleon mare so it's a slow maturing bred and I won't be suprised if he's stronger next year."
McRae says he will now look for a standing start for Young Tommy.
"He's a good standing start horse with good manners and he's got a bit more speed than Bud."
