NZ HARNESS NEWS
It was a dream start to the training career of Matt Anderson at Addington on Thursday night when he won with his first ever starter.
Pitch Perfect, a juvenile by Bettor’s Delight out of the same dam as Cash N Flow and Katy Perry, was too good for his opponents after sitting parked for more than a lap.
Anderson was naturally very happy with the turn of events, especially considering he selected the horse as a yearling and then syndicated it amongst friends.
“I was at Mark and Natalie’s (Purdon/Rasmussen) at the time and was going through a stage in life where I sort of worked out I needed to start buying some good stock from the sales.
“He was my first stepping stone and I’m happy it’s started with a win.”
Anderson is locked in a battle for the junior drivers’ premiership, which will take up most of his time over the next six weeks, but he may look to upsize his training commitments after that.
“I’m just focusing on getting to the end of my juniors’ season first, but I might try to pick up a couple more after that.
“I’ve got two in work and around my driving and working at the Dunns’, that’s enough for now.”
Anderson had obviously had a bit to do with Cash N Flow at Purdon and Rasmussen’s, so had pegged Pitch Perfect as a potential buy when perusing the catalogue.
“On paper he looked pretty good and I thought if he had half as much ability as Cash N Flow then he’d be worth a shot.”
Anderson went to $45,000 for the horse and, after taking a slice himself, syndicated it amongst a handful of friends.
One of them was Auckland trainer Tim Vince, who has become a close friend of Anderson’s and says the win was one of his biggest thrills in racing.
“That was one of the great thrills of my life,” said Vince.
“I am full of admiration for Matt – he bought that horse with no owners and put his butt on the line.
“He got on the phone and syndicated it. He rung me and asked if I would like a little share – the last one – and I said I needed another horse like I needed a hole in the head.
“But he’s a great mate of mine and one of the most positive guys on earth, so to see him win with that horse was a thrill almost as big as any race I’ve won as an owner.
“Matt seeks out horses for me, he comes up and drives them and never complains.
“He’ll go a long way in this game, he’s such a good guy.”
Anderson isn’t sure what is next for Pitch Perfect, be it a spell, another race or a sale.
“I’m unsure; we’ll just get through last night and see how he handles it all.
“He’ll tell us what the next step is.”
Long term, Anderson isn’t sure where his future in the game lies, regarding training or driving.
“That’s a good question.
“It’s what is best for me financially, I guess.
“I want to keep pushing that button with my driving, but it the training takes off, so be it.
“I have no set plans, I just hope things go well.
“There are pros and cons to all things in life, it’s just about adapting to make it work for you.”
As for the junior drivers’ title, he was resting six wins ahead of Benjamin Butcher before Friday night’s racing, where Anderson has three drives at Forbury Park and Butcher six at Alexandra Park.
“It looks like it will go down to the wire; it’s going to be pretty interesting.”
- NZ Harness News
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