Canterbury trained trotter Marcoola has broken the New Zealand 2200m mobile record tonight when easily winning the Gr2 Lyell Creek Stakes at Alexandra Park.
Trained by Ken Ford and driven by part owner Clint Ford the Sundon 5yo was beaten for early speed in the race by Maurice McKendry and Lemond and ended up three deep on the fence before zipping to the lead with a lap remaining.
In the straight Marcoola had far too much gas for the opposition running clear and winning by more than 3 lengths without being pushed.
Clint Ford said after the race he could not do much about getting crossed at the start,
"I tried to hold them out but they were too quick for me. When the train started coming I thought I better get moving and he held on good in the end.
"He was touching the wheels a bit during the race as well. Usually he clears them but I think he was just stretching out so well tonight.
The winning time of 2-41.3 broke the old New Zealand record of 2-41.9 set by Habibty Ivy in April last year.
Marcoola will have his next run on New Years Eve at Alexandra Park in the Gr1 $100000 National trot and will bypass the Cambridge Mile on Christmas Eve.
Harnesslink Media