Super sire Bettor's Delight is developing a name for himself in the harness racing squaregaiting community.
On Thunder Road, by Bettor's Delight out of Holmes Hanover mare All The Way Home, took his lifetime record to 23 wins from 50 starts at Tabcorp Park Melton last night with victory in the Group 3 Sumthingaboutmaori Trotters Free for All.
The Darren Hancock trained-and-driven six-year-old ran to the lead from his gate 10 draw inside the final mile in the 2240m trot before comfortably holding Maori Time (Anthony Butt) by 3.4m at the finish posting a mile rate of 1:57.4.
Coming off the back frontrunner On Thunder Road and Maori Time raced clear of the rest of the field, Maori Time glued to the back of the race leader.
Hancock asked On Thunder Road to go a fair way from home and the New South Welsh trotter found plenty, while Maori Time could only chase gamely to finish a clear second.
VIDEO: On Thunder Road wins the Sumthingaboutmaori at Melton
Maori Time’s stablemate from Brent Lilley's Bolinda yard, Kyvalley Blur, ran on as he usually does and finished third 8.8m behind the winner.
Already a Group 1 winner – after his Trotters Cup victory on Miracle Mile day at Menangle – On Thunder Road’s stake earnings are now nudging $240,000.
Earlier this year Bettors Delight sired Three-Year-Old Ruby Trot winner Donegal Bettorgretch at New Zealand's Harness Jewels race day.
Bettor's Delight leads the Australian sires’ overall chart with 316 wins from 5427 starts and 479 starters for an average prizemoney per starter of $19,609.
On rankings by average prizemoney per starter Bettor's Delight is second overall behind American Ideal, whose progeny average $20,737. Bettors Delight’s progeny have had almost four times more starts than American Ideal’s.
Illawong Helios ran on for fourth last night in the Sumthingaboutmaori, while punters who put their faith in Super Zeck ($6.50 fourth-favourite) were left feeling flat, that horse racing well below the form he showed when powering away with the Noopy Kiosk title on July 1. Last night he ran last beaten 62.4m.
Cody Winnell