NZ HARNESS NEWS
Because Dark Horse did so well during her recent break, her trainer Nathan Williamson reckons it might take the good trotting mare a bit longer than usual to reach her peak this time in.
“Right through her career she’s always been very light but she developed a lot during her latest break and has let down now,” the Branxholme trainer said.
“She’s an older mare now and carrying more condition, she might need a run or two to reach her peak.”
The half-sister by Bacardi Lindy to Carla Bruni, Sarah Palin, Monty Python and Father Christmas is set to resume at Ascot Park in the Group 3 $25,000 Pryde’s Easifeeds Southern Lights Trot on Saturday.
It will be the five-year-old’s first start since a disappointing performance in the Dominion last November.
“She wasn’t trotting any good then but we had some vet work done on her.
“She was a bit sore in a couple of areas, then we gave her a decent break.”
“She’s had two workouts and that’s brought her fitness on – she won them both.
“The first was a mobile against the pacers, the second was a stand start for trotters.
“There was no tape but touch wood, she hasn’t missed away for a long time.
“I’ll leave her on the unruly for now, though.”
Against Sundons Wish and She’s Allthe Craze, Dark Horse completed the 2400-metre trip in 3:05.7, home from the 800 in 58.5 and 400 in 28.5.
Williamson said he is happy with the winner of nine from 20 ahead of her resuming run and not sure if carrying more condition has affected her speed,
“They don’t usually lose their speed but I haven’t opened her up yet.
“She doesn’t overdo it in work so we’ll find out on raceday.
“She’ll be an improver but the Trotting Championship at Addington is just two starts away.”
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