Half sister and brother The Charging Moa and Bettor Ops both won at the Gore Harness Racing Club's meeting today.
They're the first two foals out of twelve win Armbro Operative mare Special Ops whose wins included the Canterbury Country's Cups final, Winter Cup at Addington and Group Three Rangiora Classic.
The Charging Moa trained by Geoff and Jude Knight stayed away from some of the early trouble and various lead changes in her race, and she was launched three wide by driver Brad Williamson just before the top of the straight. Despite running to the outside of the track she was too good for stablemate Atom Hanover, winning by two and a half lengths.
Later in the day Bettor Ops was sent out second favourite behind the much fancied Eamon Maguire.
Driven by Kirk Larsen, Better Ops led early from barrier one, while Eamon Maguire was forced wide and galloped going out of the first bend. Larsen then handed up to Rory McIIwrick on Eamon Maguire. At the top of the straight Eamon Maguire galloped again and Larsen took the inside passing lane and paced out too well to beat Eamon Maguire by half a head.
Bettor Ops was purchased for $32,500 at the yearling sales and is owned by Reg and David Turner of Sydney.
The Turners were part of the Dominator Syndicate which has bought and raced many good horses from New Zealand including Atitagain the winner of the 1997 Southern Supremacy Stakes Final. He ended up winning twenty eight races including the 2000 Australian Pacing Championship at Albion Park. He also ran second to Yulestar in the 2001 Inter Dominion Pacing Championship. The Dominator syndicate also owned Late Bid (1995 Australian Derby winner) and Seelster Sam while Reg Turner had a share in Franco Nepia.
"He (Bettor Ops) won first up last year and in hindsight that wasn't a good thing. It took a lot out of him because he was a big weak horse. We gave him a few more starts because he was entered in the Northern Southland Futurity. He's come back in stronger and he went good the other day," said Larsen.
He says the four year old Bettor's Delight gelding hasn't been a very tractable horse but is getting better.
"He feels as though he could stick on but he's also developed a bit of speed and surprised me out of the gate today. He held the lead quite easily. He's got a bit of bottom to him and I'll talk to the owners and we may look at racing him in the South Of The Waitaki race. Addington would suit him."
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing