As predicted rising Southland trotting star Dark Horse got the right conditions and had the class to break a Southland trotting record at Winton today.
Her 2-58.9 for the 2400 metre mobile betters the old record set in 2010 by Ready Set. The last 800 metres was run in 57.1 and 400 metres in 27.9. The national record over this distance for mares of 2-58.5 was recorded by Habibti Ivy when she won at Ashburton in February.
From barrier five driver Nathan Williamson sent Dark Horse forward and after 200 metres the Bacardi Lindy mare was in front.
"It's just nice to know that I have that gate speed if we have to use it. It’s the first time she’s drawn the gate. The last time she won behind the mobile she drew the second line. In the New Zealand Trotting Oaks last year she drew one but was planted up behind runners and she was never happy,” he said.
With 900 metres to run driver Blair Orange took second favourite Eyre I Come to the lead.
“We didn’t have to trail. I could have parked him but it was just a good experience."
Once the field straightened up Dark Horse was presented with the passing lane and she comfortably cruised up the inside to beat Eyre I Come by three lengths.
Well clear in track record time – Photo Bruce Stewart
"I didn’t have to pull the plugs today. The main thing I have to watch with her is that she can come through (the passing lane)and go too quickly. She only had to do what she has to and I didn’t have to get after her. She was nice and controlled with everything she did.”
So all roads now for the Griffins and Seafield Trotting Syndicates lead to Ashburton for the $100,000 McMillan Feeds Four Year Old Ruby in just over three weeks times. There she'll meet Rowe Cup winner Temporale and quality trotter Marcoola.
"There are no plans to race her again before Ashburton but she may have a workout. It just depends on whether I think she needs one or not.”
Winning owners – Photo Bruce Stewart.
The Williamson family have a good record in this race. Nathan and his father Phil won it at Cambridge in 2008 while Springbank Richard and Phil and Matty Williamson won with Leighton Hest the following year at Ashburton.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing