By Duane Ranger
Jo’s Dream could finally be on top of her endless health issues following her second career win in 12 starts at Alexandra Park last Friday.
Her Pukekohe trainer, Amanda Kiddie always believed in the 3-year-old Gotta Go Cullect filly.
“I always thought she would win a few races but I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with her. She’s always had health issues since her first start at two and she never really felt 100 per cent”.
“But with the help of vet Kara Watson we have finally got on top of her problems. She has raced really well the last few weeks”.
“I pride myself in thinking outside the square, leaving no stone unturned, and I’m not afraid to ask for help”.
I’m only working three at the moment so they don’t miss out on anything and that’s the way I like it. I think it pays off in the end,” said Kiddie who was named Cadet-of-the-Year at last season’s North Island Harness Racing Awards.
Junior driver Sean Grayling led early with Jo’s Dream before handing up to favourite Ctheballerina (Tony Herlihy) in Friday’s last race on the Franklin Trotting Club’s nine-strong race card – the $8,000 First Flex Cables C1 and C1 pace for fillies and mares.
Then in the home straight they ducked along the passing lane to beat the pace-maker by a nose. Murphy Brown and Sailesh Abernethy were 4-3/4 lengths back in third.
Jo’s Dream, who was the $2.60 second favourite, paced the 2200m mobile in 2:47.7 (mile rate 2:02.6) with final 800m and 400m sprints of 57.7 and 27.3.
The victory provided Kiddie with her fourth win in her first season of training – two by Ideal Flybye and now two by Jo’s Dream.
The 28-year-old paid a tribute to driver Grayling, who notched up his third win of the season and sixth since 2013.
“He is so dedicated and rings during the week to see how the horses are. He is a much underrated driver that just needs more of a chance to get out there, gain experience and prove himself.
“Sean is driving better all the time and it was a shame he couldn’t drive ‘Jo’ for her first win. James drove her that night (July 3). “I’d also like to thank my owners. They have been very patient,” Kiddie said.
Jo’s Dream, who has now won two races in a row and ran second in her last three starts, is owned by Kiddie, Graham & Jo Goodin, and Lee-Anne Grayling. The Goodins also bred her.
“Graham and Jo also own Marylyn Bromac. I also have a Real Desire half-brother to Jo’s Dream that they have leased to me. “He is a nicer type then Jo and I think he has a big future,” Said Kiddie.
Grayling wasn’t the only junior to salute the judge on Friday.
In fact Juniors won a third of Friday’s nine-strong race card. Michael Blakemore won the seventh event behind the Mark Jones trained $1.90 favourite, Pomme Roy, while Jack MacKinnon got the Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett trained $3.40 second favourite home in race eight.
It was also a momentous night for race-caller Jason Teaz, who was filling in for Aaron White, who was ill.
“I learnt my trade here and it’s finally great to come back to Alexandra Park and call my first full race meeting.
It’s the most progressive track in the country and Megan and I like to race here,” said recent first-time Dad, Teaz, who also trains a team of standardbreds with his wife Megan at Ohaupo.
It was also the last Franklin Trotting Club meeting before being taken over by the Auckland Trotting Club in 2015-2016.
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