By Chris Barsby
Mark Lichtwark will resist the temptation.
The astute horseman will remain in Queensland with his talented rookie pacer Major Buddy and not chase the riches on offer for the Australasian Breeders Crown series in Melbourne in the coming weeks.
The Paleface Adios Classic winner returned to the winners circle last Friday night at Albion Park when he demolished his rivals in the Burwood Stud Pace over the 1660m in a mile rate of 1;57.9.
He finished off in a scorching last split of 27.6 easily defeating a very good filly in Cherish The Moment.
But the victory wasn’t enough to convince Lichtwark.
“I thought long and hard about making the trip but then reality kicked in and I’m certain staying home is the best option for him right now. He got really sick mid-season, I mean really sick so he’s done a big job just to make it back this term.” Lichtwark said.
Since resuming from his illness, Major Buddy was beaten first-up at Albion Park on June 26 behind Roarn in a strong time of 1;56.0.
The Art Major – Aquarius Rising rig was then beaten in the Brisbane ABC heat at Albion Park on July 10 when talented pacer Catcha Lefty prevailed in a three horse race.
“I’ve been really happy with his two runs back this preparation; he needed that run first-up badly and I didn’t expect they would go that quick while he was solid in the Breeders Crown heat behind Catcha Lefty. He had his chance that night but the winner is a smart type so I was pleased.
“He won well the other night and he’s come through it with flying colours. It wasn’t an easy decision to make but I think it’s the right one to make at this stage of his career, the plan this season was to head to Melbourne because he is Vicbred but those plans were shelved after he got real sick.
“The Breeders Crown is a very tough series and when you have to travel, you have to be at the top of your game. I plan on giving him another start or two before seasons end and then he can have a good break because he’s still growing, he’s a very big horse.”
The list of top line juveniles that Lichtwark has trained reads like a never ending list including the likes of Masked Crusader, Cherry Cheer, Aquagold, Rhapsody In Red and Magic In Motion to name just a few.
Lichtwark was the former studmaster of famed nursery Egmont Park Stud on the Darling Downs.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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