A dazzling all-the-way win on Friday night ensured Cheersbigears will be the 2015-16 Leading Horse with the Port Pirie Harness Racing Club.
A $3.80 chance, Cheersbigears, driven by trainer Dale Afford, rated a fast 1:56.9 in scoring a three metre win in the Mini Pave Pace (1609m) which was his eighth victory for the season.
He defeated Atticus ($2.60 fav) with Pure Theatre ($4.60) a further 17 metres away third.
The win took Cheersbigears’ points tally to 55 with second-placed Wills on 38.
With just three meetings left, the leader cannot be caught so Cheersbigears will be crowned Port Pirie’s Leading Horse and add his name to the Les and Joan Duffield Memorial Trophy.
Cheersbigears is owned by Afford’s wife Mignon, in partnership with Lisa Partington and Terry Deed and the victory has also ensured they will take out the Port Pirie Leading Owner award for the season sponsored by the Bingo Social Committee.
Other awards already sewn up include the Leading Young Reinsperson award, donated by D Hoare, where Aaron Bain has a virtually unassailable lead with 73 points and second-placed Josh Holberton on 46.
Also the Leading Reinsperson award, donated by Robert Cronin where Danielle Hill has a huge 52-poiny lead over her brother Wayne.
Dale Afford is in the box seat to take out the Leading Trainer award, donated by Frank Borg, where Afford (109) is clear of Toby Ryan (102) and Justin Brewin (92).
Still up for decision are the Leading Three-Year-Old, donated by Mick Osborne, where Alldaybliss has a three-point lead over Hilltop Rose with Perfectly Written a further point astern.
The Leading Two-Year-Old, donated by Ron Roberts, is also very close with Arm A Princess and Sassy Indiana on 10 points and Riverboy Denzel on nine.
The Fastest Winning Mile Rate, the Brian Clarke and Joy Lane Memorial, donated by Ron Lane and Family, has Some Kinda Tactics in front with 1:53.8 and, despite the current excellent track condition, it is unlikely that time will be bettered.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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