The harness racing debutante Idealindiamonds was well supported when he lined up for his first start at the invited drivers meeting on the grass at Waikouaiti today.
The three year old son of American Ideal had been impressive at trials and workouts around Canterbury for trainers David and Catherine Butt.
A second to subsequent winner Boundary Row at the Rangiora workouts was followed by a trial win last Monday at Addington over Just Ben who won at Oamaru on Sunday which suggested that Idealindiamonds was always going to be a major player today.
Driver Bob Butt got him away well from barrier four and grabbed an early lead before handing up to the well supported Edge Of Reason and Sam Ottley.
Edge Of Reason took Idealindiamonds all the way to the passing lane and once angled into the lane by Bob, Idealindiamonds shot clear for a very impressive debut victory.
Another well supported debutante Real Raider ran on well for second just in front of the pace making Edge Of Reason.
Idealindiamonds paced the 1900 metres from a stand in 2:36 with the last 800 metres in 61.8 and the 400 metres in a sharp 27.5
A $32,500 purchase at the 2013 New Zealand Premier Sale at Christchurch, Idealindiamonds is bred to be well above average.
He is from Imprint 1:58.4 ($22,622) who has already produced Opulent 1:54.9 ($219,906) and Imprint is a daughter of the former smart three year old filly Impish 1:54.9 ($45,032).
Bob Butt thought he would go close on debut.
" He is such a wee professional."
" He is such a lovely pacer and has the manners as well so I thought he would be hard to beat."
" It was his first time on the grass but he is so well gaited I didn't think it would worry him," Bob said
One of things that made the win more memorable for Bob Butt was it continued a long standing trend between the owners and the Butt family.
" I am the fourth generation of the Butt family to have driven a winner for these owners so that makes it pretty special," Bob said.
Idealindiamonds will continue to race in grade racing around Canterbury and judging by today's win he won't have any trouble handling the rise in grade.
Harnesslink Media