By Matt Markham
For a horse who four weeks ago wasn’t a show of making the Harness Jewels, Buster Brady has certainly risen to the occasion.
And judging by his effort to win Friday night’s Winter Cup at Addington, the old Buster is firmly back in business and that means he’s not without a forlorn hope in a very good field in the 4YO Emerald in two weeks time.
The win also gave further plaudits to the decision of Buster Brady’s trainer Jock Austin to send his star pacer out to the beach and into the care of Regan Todd.
“He’ certainly feels like the old version of Buster Brady,” driver Dexter Dunn said after the race.
Having his third start since becoming a beach resident, Buster Brady enjoyed a saloon run in the trail throughout the two mile event behind the pace-making Classie Brigade.
With that run and a last mile which was recorded in 1:53, Dunn had the pleasure of simply angling Buster Brady into the clear air up the passing lane and surging him to the line to hold off the late challenge of Piccadilly Princess to claim the win.
The performance will elevate Buster Brady up the rankings ahead of the Jewels – a race which now becomes a realistic target.
“We have to have a look at it now,” Todd said.
“But ultimately that will be up to Jock, but I’d be surprised if it didn’t work out that way.
“He’s going good and really enjoying the beach.”
The second placing of Piccadilly Princess should be enough to see her into Jewels contention, although there are some contenders still to race over the weekend who could usurp her if they are successful.
Waikiki Beach, who started off a 30 metre handicap, was brave in his effort for third after sitting parked -a performance which sees him right in contention for Jewels success when he squares off with Heaven Rocks on June 3.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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