After training Luciano, a $91 long shot at Addington on Showday, Wyndham trainer driver Brendon McLellan drove a $48 winner in Lady Go Cullect on his home course today.
Trained just down the round at Edendale by Craig Laurenson, the Gotta Go Cullect four year old had been decidedly average in her five previous starts but Laurenson knew she didn't lack ability.
"She had a lot of ability as a two year old but she used to tie up and she's aways had a few issues. Today she had no issues, " Laurenson said.
Going into today's race he wasn't overly confident.
"She was in season when I hoppled her on Thursday and I told Snow (Brendon McLellan) that she'd worked hopeless. And then she goes out and wins. It just panned out good for her in the end. She's done it wrong until today."
From the 1700 Gabby's Delight was taken forward by driver Rory McIIwrick and from that point Andrew Suddaby and favourite Sketching were up challenging with both drivers exchanging plenty of 'chat' before Sketching got to the lead with 1200 metres to run. At that point Lady Go Cullect which had sat parked finally got some cover with Cullens Avenue coming off the running line to sit parked. At the 300 Sketching and Cullens Avenue had two lengths to spare on the chasing bunch with Lady Go Cullect reined up to take the passing lane. Lady Go Cullect toughed it out to beat a fast finishing Don Sebastian by half a neck.
Lady Go Cullect (4) winning at Wyndham Photo by Bruce Stewart
The mare, which was breed by Bill Bain of Roxburgh is part owned by Peter O'Brien who was on-course to see the run and he was happy with the $48.80 win and $10.50 place dividends.
"He's just bought a new range (oven) and said the win's paid for it" said Laurenson.
Lady Go Cullect is out of the Washington VC mare Lady of Eden which won one race from nineteen starts.
Laurenson trained the mare's first foal Ain't Misbehavin which won it's first start in Invercargill and has won a further two starts in Australia.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing