Quality pacer Mark Dennis proved a noted betting drift was of no consequence at he bounced back to winning form at Globe Derby Park in the Samuel Smith and Sons Pace (2230m).
Back from two Melton runs, Mark Dennis, drifted from $1.70 to start $2 favourite, but led throughout from gate six to score a two metre win from Pub Blitz ($4.20) with Grand Cru ($10.90) three metres away third.
“I should have waited instead of taking the $1.75,” owner Paul Nobes said.
“He has been a great horse for us, and keeps delivering.
“He still is only seven, he just seems older I guess because he has had 123 starts.”
When the field was declared, it looked like Mark Dennis would have a good battle with Some Kinda Tactics but when that horse was a race day scratching, it was thought the former would be long odds on.
But he kept drifting when markets opened getting out to $2.
Driver Danielle Hill had a short battle to take the lead but once in front was able to control the race on Mark Dennis.
The gelding, trained by Lance Holberton, had a comfortable first half then came home in 28.9 and 28.0 to win easily.
Nobes said he was still checking the race programs for Melton and suggested a trip back to Melbourne was always an option if he could find a suitable race.
Mark Dennis’ record is now 28 wins and 31placings from those 123 starts earning $212,000 in stakes.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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