Happy-go-lucky Central Victorian harness racing trainer Tony Berg has every reason to be wearing a bigger smile than usual.
Berg, based at Timor West in the Goldfields region, just a stone’s throw from Maryborough, won’t be paying for too many stallion service fees in the near future, thanks to his six-year-old bay mare Rose Cooper (Safari – Eyesign (Stoneridge Scooter USA).
“I’m not aiming her specifically for races that carry free service fees, but she’s now won two for us so we’re pretty excited,” Berg said.
The latest was at Stawell on Monday afternoon when the mare was driven a treat by Ballarat-based junior driver James Herbertson, who is “going like a house on fire” at the moment.
After being eased out of the action at the start from the wide seven alley, Rose Cooper settled at the rear of the field in the Egmont Park Stud Pace for C0 and C1 mares.
When $3.20 favorite Real Dutchess (Matt Horsnell) took off three wide with 1100 metres to go, Herbertson wasn’t tempted to follow. In hindsight, it was a great decision as Real Dutchess found itself planted wide for the remainder.
Race leaders Aldebaran Jazzi and Power and Torque looked like they had it between them, but the race changed complexion at the 400 metres when fresh horse on-the-scene Rose Cooper launched.
Rose Cooper hit the finish line with a 1.8m advantage over Aldebaran Jazzi, with a further six metres back to Abbeydale Road.
Berg said the sections of 30.7, 30.1, 30 and 31 (mile rate 1.59-7) suited his horse down to the ground.
“With the run she had and the way the race unfolded, she probably should have won quite easily,” he said.
“In years gone by, a time of 1.59 was flying, but the reality is, it’s not anymore. The time could be classified as ‘walker’s speed’ these days, but we got the money and that’s what counts I guess!
“I told our driver James Herbertson to do no work at all in the run…and the rest was up to him. And I must say that it was a great drive; just another gem from James, who is in fine touch.”
Berg said Rose Cooper was “a dream horse to train”.
“She does everything you ask and hardly wears any gear. Her only hiccup is she sometimes doesn’t have the killer instinct come race days,” he said.
Berg, who shifted from Queensland over 30 years ago, is a noted horse breaker and also does pre-race jogging up for a number of stables.
“I actually broke in Rose Cooper and she could work the place down. It was then that a mate of mine from Maryborough, Dennis Drury, watched her and decided to buy her,” he said.
“We now race her in partnership and there’s been a fair bit of fun. Apart from wins at Boort and Stawell, she finished fourth at Melton one day at 100/1.”
Berg said Drury had enjoyed a fair share of success over the years in the sport.
“I remember in the late 80s he had a mare named New York Drive who won 12 races and 14 placings for nearly $50,000.”
Following her racing career, New York Drive (New York Motoring-Rothley Meadow (Meadow Vance) produced some well above average performers in Classic Drive (11 wins, 24 places), Big Town Drive (10w, 18p) and lightly raced Danehill Drive (2w, 4p).
The Boort victory by Rose Cooper earnt her owners a free service to Hurrikane Kingcole. They also now have a choice after the Stawell success between Hurrikane Kingcole, Mr Feelgood and Gotta Go Cullect.
So while Berg appears to have the breeding side of his operation well in hand (thanks to Rose Cooper), he can now direct his attention to a couple of 3YO colts and two 2YO fillies who are all shaping as bright prospects.
Terry Gange
NewsAlert PR Mildura