Last night Port Pirie stepped onto harness racing's big stage when it hosted this years finals of the $60,000 Southern Cross series.
The two year old finals were like chalk and cheese with the fillies looking a one horse race while the colts and gelding section looked a lot more even.
South Australian reinsman Mark Billinger was the star of the show winning both two year old finals
Two year old colt/geldings final
The two best horses here on paper both drew poorly and as a result the race was thrown wide open.
The Art Major gelding Rap Artist drew three on the second line while the Mach Three gelding Presidentmach drew five on the second line which really evened up the contest.
The Big Show from barrier three lead early while trainer / driver Mark Billinger followed him through from the second line with Rap Artist but was left parked out three wide for over 600 metres before finding the death seat.
Danni Hill settled Presidentmach back early but took off three wide with a lap to go and ranged up outside the leaders at the 400 metres mark.
As they turned for home The Big Show still had the front but was grabbed by a very game Rap Artist 50 metres out who then just held off an equally game Presidentmach who just kept coming.
To make it more interesting, Jumping Jolt flashed late for a very close third just in front of The Big Show who battled on gamely.
The mile was cut out in 1:58.3 with closing sectionals of 59.2 and 30.1.
It was a great race with the first two home putting up huge efforts.
Two year old fillies final
On paper this looked a one horse affair and thats how it panned out.
The Rock N Roll Heaven filly Rocknroll Magic from the Emma Stewart barn drew beautifully at barrier three and driver Mark Billinger let her work to the front under her own steam after 300 metres and from there it was a one horse show.
Given her head by Mark at the 500 metres mark, Rocnkroll Magic raced away and won easing down by a huge 23 metres.
The Rocknroll Hanover filly Rockfromcork ran home well along the inner for second in front of the Union Guy filly, Little Miss Piggy who battled on for third but the winner was in a class of her own
She paced the mile in a smart 1:57.8 with closing sectionals of 57.4 and 29.1 and won with a lot in hand.
The task of Rocknroll Magic was made a touch easier when stablemate and second favourite Celebrity Guest was involved in an early skirmish which extinguished her chances.
Rocknroll Magic has now won eight from eleven in her debut season and looks a filly of the highest class.
Harnesslink Media