East To West is rapidly becoming a fan favourite in South Australian harness racing.
On Saturday night, the six-year-old scored his third straight win, in the space of eight days, with victory in the Laurie Fricker Pace (1800m).
Driven by claiming driver Shane Turner, East To West ($2 fav) again scored a tough victory beating Clarenden Daydream ($2.20) by 5-1/2 metres with Franco Talon ($14.40) a neck away third.
Punters love horses which can do it tough and still beat their rivals and that is exactly what East To West does.
Price assessors had Clarenden Daydream the opening $1.85 favourite and East To West at $2.40 but punters rallied to support their new cult hero and he ran the favourite and didn’t let them down.
Clarenden Daydream worked to the lead from gate four while East To West showed no speed from three and actually was involved in a bit of a squeeze at the first turn before Turner allowed him to surge forward and sit outside the leader.
Once there, East To West and Turner dictated and lifted the tempo over the final 600 metres and in a survival of the fittest, he prevailed with a comfortable win.
“That was great to drive a horse with some gears,” Turner said.
East To West’s form is a tribute to owner-trainer Michael Henneker who revealed he had outside instructions on Saturday night.
“My daughter Sarah said she wanted a new iPhone 6 so the agreement was reached if he was to win tonight she could buy one,” Henneker said.
“Sarah made sure the horse knew of the arrangement before he raced so now I’m up for a new phone.”
Henneker said the six-year-old was thriving on his work this current campaign.
“I only have the jogger on him during the week, never a cart, and he enjoys his training and you can see the results on race night.”
Henneker is now contemplating a trip to Melton in Victoria early next month and talking with former South Australian Lance Justice about taking the drive.
“Lance is an aggressive driver and I’m sure he would suit East To West.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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