The locally trained Likethelook caused a major harness racing boilover when at odds of 84-1 he won the Alabar NZ/Caduceus Club of Southland Autumn Futurity Mobile Pace at Ascot Park on Saturday.
The rank outsider was tucked away nicely by regular reinsman Shane Walkinshaw while second favourite Rakarover and Dexter Dunn set a torrid pace with favourite Young Conqueror sitting on the outside in close attendance.
Just when it looked like the two hot shots would dominate the finish Likethelook who had used up little energy, shot up the inside to nab Young Conqueror by a neck. Rakarover was a further three quarters of a length back in third.
Likethelook getting up on the inside to beat the two favourites – Photo Bruce Stewart.
Likethelook's winning time of 3-21.5 was just outside the race record of 3-20.2 held by last year's winner Moonrock.
"In that sort of field I thought he was going to be well covered but I just buried him away back on the fence and the gaps just opened when they needed to. I thought the first two were off and gone but he did really well to drag them back in," said Walkinshaw.
It was a great result for Invercargill trainer Brian Nichol who is helped out by follow trainer Sam Balloch. Nicol nominated both of his team, Likethelook and half brother Cast A Shadow for the Futurity.
Walkinshaw says if he's on his game Likethelook has more wins in him.
"He's definitely got the ability but it's often the case of whether he shows it. Tucked away and saved for one last run he's usually pretty good. It's great for Brian to pick a race like this up. He deserves it."
Meanwhile Trendy Bromac continued on her winning way when she easily beat a field of C1 fillies and mares yesterday.
Easy as – Trendy Bromac and Dexter Dunn – Photo Bruce Stewart
After being wide early driver Dexter Dunn took the three year old filly to the top with a mile to run. She proved too good, winning by two and three quarter lengths. Trained by Michael House she looks like a strong chance in the Southland Oaks next month.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing
Likethelook upsetting the favorites