By Duane Ranger
Andre Poutama will never forget his first night as an open driver.
The 24-year-old Pukekohe-based reinsman nailed three winners on the first night of the northern season at Cambridge Raceway last night (Thursday).
In doing so he also notched up his 100th career victory in the sulky. All three winners were pacers.
“It was a very special night and the best possible way to enter the open driving ranks. Getting the 100 off my back was also nice so early in the season.
“I just want to thank Lincoln Farms for everything they do for me. In fact I want to thank everyone who puts me on their horses. I am extremely grateful,” Poutama said.
It was the first time Poutama had nailed a hatrick at Cambridge Raceway. He has achieved the feat twice before on his former home track in Palmerston North.
After recording his most successful season with 32 wins (previous best 28) in 2015-2016, Poutama reined home three winners from five drives at Cambridge – two of them for his boss Ray Green.
His first victory came Green trained 4-year-old Rocknroll Hanover mare, Lincoln’s Keepsake in the third event. They led early and were aided by the breaking of Awesome Dude (Zac Butcher) at the start.
“I thought that was a gutsy run because the mare was attacked by Gotta Go Electobet early and then she paced strongly enough to hold them all out.
“I was delighted with the run because the mare showed a lot of heart. She won in 2:43.2 (mile rate 1:59.4) so I’m happy with that,” Poutama said.
Going into the fourth event and on 99 career wins, Poutama said he was a lot more confident of winning behind the Green trained Thephantomtollbooth.
“He won well at the Auckland Workouts the week before and I thought he would go close. He’s now won one and placed twice in four starts,” the 2014 Australasian Junior Driving champion said.
Poutama and Thephantomtollbooth settled last and half a dozen lengths behind Brooke’s Rose at the 600m and then at the top of the straight they loomed five-wide and swept up to win by three quarters of a length in 2:46 even – mile rate 2:01.4.
“He went real well and will always remember him as the horse who gave me my 100th winner. It’s so nice to achieve that so early in the season,” he said.
Thephantomtollbooth was the $2.50 favourite and expected to win. You couldn’t say the same for Poutama’s third winner – the Mathew Salaivao trained Benji Maguire in the fifth event.
The 8-year-old Armbro deuce gelding got up in the last stride at odds of $30.60.
“He was just travelling so well and the way he was going I thought he would pick up the favourite (Chrissie Jet) and he did – just.
“Matt had him spot on for the race and it’s always a thrill to win any race but to get an outsider up is always nice. That was a nice win considering we started from gate 12,” Poutama said.
Poutama said going from the junior ranks to open driving was a big step up and one he had prepared for.
“It[‘s all about focusing and do the best for the horse, owner and trainer. I am so grateful to so many people for my success.
“John (Street) and Ray are great people to work for. They are cruisey bosses. I’m also grateful to other owners and trainers in my career who have put me on. People like Stephen Doody, Greg Payne, Jaz Tanner, Kenny Tarrant, Barry Purdon, and Robbie Holmes have helped me.
“I’ve done stints with them all and am extremely grateful for their guidance and what they have done for me,” Poutama said.
He also said his move north to Auckland from Palmerston North with his partner Amy, and two children Penny (3) and Finlay (now 1) on February 1 had been vindicated.
“If I wanted to further my career I knew I had to drive more at Alexandra Park and Cambridge Raceway, and now thanks to Lincoln farms I am achieving that.
“All good things take time though and even though I am now an open horseman I still have plenty to learn – and I believe I’m in the right place to achieve my goals,” Poutama said.
“It was also very tiresome driving back and forth. It just wasn’t fair on my family. They always come first. I’m am proud of my decision to head north,” he added.
Poutama has now driven 101 winners (30 trotters) from 1,012 starters since 2011. He has also placed 164 times for career stakes of $669,177.
His career UDR strike rate currently sits at 0.1749 compared to this season’s amazing strike rate of 0.6000.
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