NZ HARNESS NEWS
Viewers had to wait until the last race of the day, but it was worth it to see the breakout performance of visiting filly Mossdale Art at Winton on Sunday.
The Bettor’s Delight filly, out of a half-sister to good performers Mossdale Conner and Mossdale Rose, simply smashed her maiden opponents by eight lengths in a scintillating 1.52.5 mile.
Ben Hope did the driving for his parents, Greg and Nina, and said she was always travelling like a winner in front.
“It was an awesome performance.
“I probably went a bit quick to be honest, but when the horse came up outside me at the half and I turned the stick on her, she was off.
“The good thing is that she appears to come through it really well.
“She pricked her ears after the line and was bright as a button after the race.”
Hope said the stable had always had a high opinion of Mossdale Art and bigger things awaited her.
“We’ve always liked the filly. But she was just a little bit immature as a two-year-old.
“We knew she’d be alright one day and she’s come back pretty nicely this time in.”
There’s a chance she will stay in Southland for the $12,000 Ladyship Final at Winton next Saturday, but the decision won’t be made until Monday morning.
One thing is for sure – she will definitely be back in Southland later in the season.
“Archie Affleck, the owner, is from down here so her big goal for the season will be the Southland Oaks.
“And going on what she did today, I’d like to think she’ll be competitive not only in that, but in some of the other stakes features later in the season.”
The day’s feature, the $14,000 Equine Stakes for fillies and mares, was won by Shezacullengirl and Brent Barclay for trainers Tank Ellis and Kirsten Barclay.
Robyns Playboy, potentially Southland’s best horse, made it three wins in a row when second-rating a field from a wide draw in the hands of Craig Ferguson.
And Brad Williamson picked up a driving double, with one he trains, That’s The Story, and classy customer Majestic Man, for his father, Phil.
- NZ Harness News
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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