The Bus trained by Mark Jones proved too good for eight other rivals in the inaugural $12,000. Caduceus Club Of Southland Nuggets Finals at the Northern Southland Meeting at Ascot Park yesterday.
He held on to beat Kilowatt Kid by three quarters on a length.
"It's a good series down here and there's the final in March so that's good. The Northern Southland Club used to fly me down, the owner likes coming and you've got the Supremacy so it works in good," said trainer Mark Jones.
The Bus (outside) beating Kilowatt Kid – Photo Bruce Stewart.
The Art Major colt qualified for yesterday's final when he won at Gore at the end of September. After that win he ran second to Hail Christian at Addington before winning on the same track eight days ago.
With just over a lap to run driver Sam Ottley took the three year old forward to sit parked outside leader Benio Ben. When Some Excusesomewhere improved with a lightning move at the 500, The Bus had got the lead. Some Excusesomewhere broke turning for home and The Bus was left in front. The only challenge came from the trailing horse Kilowatt Kid which got within three quarters of a length of the winner.
"He's lazy and knocks off and only has to do what he has to, but when they come at him he goes again."
The Bus is out of the 37 win Falcon Seelster mare Rondel Franco who raced extensively in America. He's owned by Grant Hatton who also raced The Bus's half-brother Saveapatrol which won the inaugural 2013 Northern Southland Autumn Futurity.
Sam Ottley, The Bus, Andrew Suddaby (obscured) Bill McDonald President of the Northern Southland TC, Grant Haddon and Neil Timms – Photo Bruce Stewart.
Jones says The Bus will continue to race here before heading to Australia at the end of the season.
"After the Supremacy he'll go to Australia where he's paid up for a few series."
And after that he sees him racing in some of the staying races next season.
"He's probably a Country Cups type horse. He's not up with the elite three year olds."
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing