She might have had the toughest run but under the masterful hands of champion driver Dexter Dunn, Motu Moonbeam proved too tough for her rivals at Ascot Park on Sunday.
From barrier eight she had to work extra hard at the start and was posted three wide early.
Dunn then tried to get a sit with cover but the holes closed and he was forced to progress forward before finally getting to the front.
The pace was kept solid and the Bettor’s Delight mare held on to beat Macardo by a neck.
The time of 2-41.4 was very good for this grade of horse.
“She went pretty good at Forbury at her last start."
She did a lot of work today."
"She was travelling good around the back and coming around the bend I thought I might be in a bit of trouble because the one on my back (Macardo) was travelling pretty good."
"Really, something should have run past her but she dug pretty deep,” said Dexter.
Motu Moonbeam is trained at Westwood Beach by Graeme Anderson for Motu Lodge Limited.
Yesterday’s win was her fourth from eighteen starts.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing – Check site here