NZ HARNESS NEWS
Franco Tai takes $50,000 sales race
Franco Tai, runner-up to Moonrock in the $50,000 NZ Yearling Sales Series Aged Handicap Pace at Kaikoura 12 months ago, went one better in the 2017 edition at Kaikoura.
The five-year-old Lis Mara gelding is raced by Southland’s Robert and Sharon Symon, who also race classy mare Nek Time from the Leeston stable of trainers Terry and Glenys Chmiel.
Franco Tai, a half-brother to the well-performed Franco Texas, had lost form last term, but has improved with each start this campaign.
“He underwent a wind operation and apparently Franco Texas had one too, so it might be something in the family,” said Terry Chmiel.
“It’s good to win another good race for the Symons’; they’re great owners.”
Franco Tai’s good manners landed him the gun spot behind leader Red Moon Rising, who he was ultimately able to outpoint in the run to the line.
Chmiel, who drove Franco Tai, had an anxious moment halfway down the straight when the horse paced roughly for a stride and may have tried to jump a shoe on the track.
He rallied best to win from co-backmarker Robbie Burns, who had tried hard, with Red Moon Rising holding on for third for trainer-driver Gavin Smith.
Bordeaux wins South Bay Trotters Cup
North Canterbury trainer Philip Iggo was amazed to find that Bordeaux was the only top trotter from 12 months ago to return for the Gr.3 $30,000 South Bay Trotters Cup at Kaikoura.
Bordeaux defended his title from 12 months ago with a sterling win from the front in the hands of Dexter Dunn.
“The attrition rate amongst the top trotters has been incredible,” said Iggo.
“Today was another step forward for the Dominion (at Addington on November 17), but if he couldn’t win today he could hardly win the Dominion.”
Bordeaux again stepped well to be parked outside the early leaders, then pressed forward to the lead inside the mile mark.
He proved too strong in the run to the line and in doing so reaffirmed his second favouritism for the Dominion Handicap.
Bordeaux ran the 2400 metres from the standing start in a strong 3.01.8, working home nicely in 57.3secs for the last half-mile.
He held out a late challenge from The Foot Tapper, who had trailed, and a huge late finish from Ronald J, who was hemmed up for four back on the markers for most of the race.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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