NZ HARNESS NEWS
A peach of a drive from Dexter Dunn saw Bettor Joy win the $85,625 Group 2 Peter Breckon Memorial Caduceus Club Ladyship Stakes at Alexandra Park this evening.
For the second time in as many weeks, the speedy daughter of Bettor’s Delight found the winning post first, much to the delight of trainer Cran Dalgety.
“We’ve become accustomed to picking up the dregs in recent times, so we’ll enjoy this while we can.
“On three occasions during the running Dexter was in the right place at the right time and that proved the difference.
“I think there was four horses in that race that would have won with the same trip.
“He drove her to perfection.”
Bettor Joy was fourth in the single file early before finding the one-one behind Elle Mac (Natalie Rasmussen) at the 1200-metre mark.
Second-favourite Dizzy Miss Lizzy worked round to led down the straight with a lap to run, but failed to finish her race off.
As she compounded on the point of the home turn, Elle Mac hit the front and Bettor Joy worked in to the clear to get over the top of her.
Bettor Trix (Nathan Purdon) came off Bettor Joy’s back to push her close in the run to the line.
Somethingaboutmary (Josh Dickie) got home stylishly for third ahead of Elle Mac.
The Ladyship Stakes has a storied 42-year history and, more recently has proved to be a race that only very good fillies win.
In the last decade alone, Adore Me, Venus Serena, The Orange Agent, Spanish Armada, Carabella and De Lovely have been victors.
Dalgety hopes – and believes – Bettor Joy can kick on to become a topline mare like those before her.
“There are so many good mares in the family and most of them started off as good fillies, too.
“You would like to think that will be the case with her.”
Progeny of super sire Bettor’s Delight filled the first five spots.
- NZ Harness News.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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