Even owner Lex Williams doesn’t know if One Over Da Moon will be spelled at the end of the season or kick on and compete in the Breeders Crown in Victoria in August 30.
He said Friday’s feature trot winner would continue to race at Alexandra Park throughout July.
“We won’t be making any decisions until we sit down and talk with Paul in the middle or late next month. For now we want the horse to be race at Alexandra Park in July in Tony’s (Herlihy) colours. There are three races for him up there in July and that is focus for now,” Williams said.
There are two $14,999 C3 and faster trots available to One Over Da Moon the next two Fridays at Alexandra Park.
On July 24 One Over Da Moon is likely to line up in the $20,000 Winters Trotters Mobile over the 1700m, and then the $20,000 Winter Handicap Trot over 2700 on the final night of the season.
“It all depends how he comes through those races. Whether he races in the Breeder’s Crown will be up to Paul. If not he will most likely be spelled before returning for the New Zealand Cup Carnival at Addington in November,” 69-year-old Williams said.
Starting on the sole back mark of 40m Herlihy had One Over Da Moon one out and three back on the outer with a lap remaining in Friday’s feature trot – the $14,999 HiFX Handicap for the C3 to C7 trotters.
He then got a suck into the straight on the back of Sir George Grey and Zac Butcher. In the lane Herlihy angled the talented 6-year-old out to win going away by two lengths and half a head from Al Bundy (David Burcher) and Sunoflindenny (Mark Jones).
The 6-year-old son of Majestic Son and One Over Kenny trotted the 2700m stand in 3:29.2. The mile rate was 2:04.6 and he trotted his last 800m and 400m in 58.2 and 29.1.
It was the 4-year-old’s 13th win in 41 starts and took his earnings past $200,000.
He is owned and was bred by Williams and his wife Heather of One Over Lodge in Waimate. They have been at Alexandra Park for his last three starts and intend heading north again this Friday.
Williams rated One Over Da Moon’s dam One Over Kenny the best horse they had raced followed by One Over Da Moon and Petite One.
One Over Da Moon received a performance incentive bonus for last Friday’s win.
By Duane Ranger
Driving the Future of Harness Racing