26 August 2019 | GRAEME WHITE
PACER Seattle Trace not only clinched herself Horse of the Year honors at Wagga but also sealed the Trainers’ Premiership for Paul Kahlefeldt on Friday.
The mare had a debut win to her name in Victoria two years ago before Kahlefeldt purchased her some 12 months later.
Consistency has been the theme for Seattle Trace with five wins and as many placings at Wagga but none was more important than her latest at Riverina Paceway in the final Wagga meeting of the season.
Needing to finish first or second with his final runner of the season to keep his challengers at bay, Kahlefeldt’s mare delivered when it mattered most.
Seattle Trace enjoyed a perfect run behind the leader before driver Jared Kahlefeldt moved her wide and she raced clear for her fifth win at her 30thstart this season.
“She has been right back to her best at recent starts after she went off a bit for a few runs,” Kahlefeldt said.
“It was good competition between a few of the trainers right up until the very end.”
Trevor White was right in contention, however, was unable to add to his tally while Kahlefeldt picked up some points with place getters.
Ellen Bartley was also within reach of the lead at one stage but didn’t get the maximum points required while Bruce Harpley won with his only runner, Harps, in a Menangle country series heat, but it wasn’t quite enough.
Harpley needed stable star Molly Kelly to win at Wagga last week as a short priced favorite but she finished out of the placings.
Kahlefeldt has won a few Wagga and Riverina premierships and said the first at the new complex, albeit it for about half of the season, meant a lot.
He believes racing will be more competitive and stronger at Wagga in the future with the introduction of the new Riverina Group On carnival.
“A lot of trainers are travelling to race here now so it’s very competitive,” he said.
“The new carnival and the heats of the Million Dollar series at different tracks across the State is great for the industry.”
Premier reinsman Blake Jones will finish in the high 80s after another impressive display to win the Wagga and Riverina premierships.
Jones has won the past three Wagga titles.
In other highlights from Wagga, David Druitt struck with the opening two winners courtesy of Sun Safe and Rocknroll Fever.
The double capped off a big week for Druitt who also won with stable newcomer, Major Comment, at Cobram on Thursday.
Rocknroll Fever edged out Hello Miss Kitty by a short half-head denying driver Brent Blythe success at his first race drive.
Meanwhile, veteran trainer-driver Ray White won his first race at Riverina Paceway when Chubbs finally delivered at his 25thstart.
Chubbs has been a frustrating horse for White, but making his way to the front row and enjoying a perfect run in the race made all the difference.
Chubbs will advance to the $10,000 Rewards Series final at Young on Friday where he will be up against the other heat winner, Sun Safe.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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