By Tayler Strong
Clifton Tactic ran a track record for a mare over 2200m (mobile) of 2.40.6 (1.57.6 mile rate) when she overcame a second line draw at Forbury Park last Thursday.
The daughter of Washington VC –Clifton Flier gave trainer Martin Denton his first win since he transferred his stable about 10km from East Taieri to Momona. Rory McIlwrick, the leading junior driver, settled Clifton Tactic sixth on the outer in a 10-horse field and she finished boldly wide out to win by a length and a half, She took 0.1sec of the previous track record set by Nui Le in April last year.
It was the 29th win of the season for McIlwrick, who had a previous best of 26 last season.
Poppymalda was within 0.1sec of the track record for a trotters when she stormed home to win in 3.27.6 for 2700m after starting from 40m.
Trainer Cran Dalgety won with his three representatives, Pat’s Delight, Courageous Becqui and Ace High. The trio were driven by Dexter Dunn, who also drove Go Getta to win.
Pat Kubala, the Gore owner of the 2-year-old Pat’s Delight with his wife, Margaret, said the colt, would bypass the Harness Jewels.
“He (Pat’s Delight) will go out for six weeks now. He will be better next season,” said Kubala. Pat’s Delight left stride at the start of the 2200m (mobile), recovered to lead at the 1400 and won by two and three quarter lengths. He ran his last 800m in 57.6 and final quarter in 27.4, the fastest sectionals of the night. He was not accorded an overall time due to a malfunction with equipment.
Courageous Becqui and Ace High, both 3-year-olds having their first starts, raced in the open close to the pace. Ace High (Bettor’s Delight – Splendid Deal) is a brother to Maxim (Sires’ Stakes Final at two) and Splendour (Gold Coast Oaks and Sires’ Stakes Silver at three). He is raced by Auckland breeder Charlie Roberts. Splendid Deal (by In The Pocket) has left four winners from four foals to race.
Courageous Becqui is a filly by Courage Under Fire from Millwood Becqui raced by Kelvin Home Holdings. She is the seventh winner from as many foals to race out of Millwood Becqui (by Live Or Die). All the winners are by different sires. Millwood Becqui is the dam of Mr Nice Guy (20 wins in Australia), Ohoka Mach (17) and Party Girl Becqui (13).
Ross and Maria Hurrell came to see their son, Mark drive on Thursday night and they were thrilled when he extricated Smooth Mara from four back on the inner at the 400m to win by a nose. Hurrell (19) has driven the winners of five races this season, his first as a junior. He has worked for Brendon McLellan for three years and he will shortly do stint with Nathan Williamson. He has won two races on the Peter Bagrie-trained Smooth Mara.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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