07 July 2015
By Matt Markham
You haven’t seen the last of Great Things Happen for this season yet.
The smart up and coming trotter extended his great debut season by winning his fourth race at Timaru on Sunday by the narrowest of margins – but still impressively.
The three-year-old son of Love You is held in high regard by his trainer, Gavin Smith and the in-form horseman intends on making the most of opportunities before the season comes to end.
“The aim is the Super Series final at Addington early in August then he can go out for a really good break. “He’s a good horse now, but I think he will be even better next year.’’
Sunday’s victory was penalty free too and if all goes to plan that might not be the last free win. “He can race at Addington again and if he happens to win we might chase the extra penalty free, but the main aim is getting to the Super Series final and winning that.
“If he can win it the stake would almost get him half way towards making the Harness Jewels next season which considering I’m planning on him being in the paddock for a lengthy break is a good thing to come back next year with money in the bank already.’’
Away slowly on Sunday, Great Things Happen was sent forward by Smith with 800 metres left to run and he quickly put a gap between himself and the field. But as the winning post neared the big trotter appeared to switch off and Sarah Palin made a sustained bid at him falling by the narrowest of margins with Jean Sebastien and Evander D Go both also booming home late in the piece.
Tintinara claimed the Winter Cup in stunning fashion for Dexter Dunn and Steve Dolan – an impressive effort from a three-year-old filly against the older horses.
The smart filly, who has won five races this season, ran home strongly for third at Rangiora last week but was simply too good for her opposition winning by three and a half lengths.
Sunday was a big day for Robert Dunn who picked up the 100th win his season when Mr Meddle won the amateur drivers event in the hands of Dan Reardon.
It is only the second time Dunn has achieved the magical mark and he is now on track to break new ground by beating his finally total from last season of 103.
Story supplied by Harness Racing New Zealand INC
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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