After snaring a race with The Zigmeister on the first day of the Westport Christmas harness racing meeting, Margo Nyhan and Peter Davis were at it again early on day two when the Game Changer made up for an unlucky run the first day with a narrow but impressive win.
Away well from barrier nine to lead early for driver Peter Davis, Game Changer took a trail after 300 metres behind the free going Idealagain with Stevie Golding in the bike.
Idealagain set a hot tempo in front and tried to slip away on the corner but Game Changer charged up the passing lane for a narrow but impressive win.
Game Changer paced the 2000 metres on the grass from a stand in 2:38.4 with closing sectionals of 59.4 and 28.8.
Peter was impressed with the run.
“He did that a lot easier than it looked.”
“It wasn't until I got busy with him that he grabbed the bit and shot through late,” Peter said.
Margo and Peter selected Game Changer from the 2014 New Zealand Premier Sale at Christchurch for $12,000.
They were attracted to the son of Changeover by the fact he was from a half sister to their former smart pacer The Gigalo (12 wins) ($135,370).
"He was a smart compact individual when we brought him and we thought he might make a two year old but like a lot of the Changeovers he has never stopped growing.”
“Whatever he does at three is a bonus as he will be much better again next season.”
Margo and Peter reckon that what Game Changer has done todate has been done on raw ability and that he has heaps to learn.
“Today was only his fourth time off the place in his life and he knows next to nothing.”
“He is a big dummy in a lot of ways but when the penny drops we think he will develop into a lovely horse,” Margo said.
No decision has yet been made as to weather Game Changer will start at Reefton.
“It depends on how he comes through todays race.”
“However todate he has handled everything thrown at him on the trip, Margo said.
Whatever he does for the rest of the season, it seems Game Changers best days may be as a four and five year old.
PS: The Nyhan-Davis combination had a great two days at Westport, winning two races along with two seconds and three thirds.
Harnesslink Media