The harness racing trials at Rangiora Raceway today were full of quality bloodstock, especially in the qualifying and juvenile heats that were run.
It is hard to comprehend how the juvenile fields have been so small this season and races unable to be held when you witness the depth of talent on show today.
Star Qualifiers
Heaven Rocks – 3 year old gelding by Rock N Roll Heaven from Mendecilo
Purchased out of the APG Melbourne sale in 2014 by Kennard Bloodstock, Heaven Rocks produced a qualifying run right out of the top draw.
Settling fourth for Tim Williams, Heaven Rocks was still there at the 800 metres but then unleashed a final 800 metres of 55.2 and a 400 metres of 26.8 (privately timed) to flash past them late for an easy win.
His overall time of 2:29.5 for the 2000 metres from the mobile equates to a mile rate of 2:00.2 and was nearly seven seconds under qualifying time.
The run of Heaven Rocks overshadowed the smart performances returned by both One Big Fella (Mister Big – Killarney) and Donegal Rundlescreek (Bettors Delight- Boyd's Creek) who finished second and third and who both look capable of winning a race at short notice.
Don Pierre – 4 year old by Diedre Don from Paris Belle
Don Pierre was successful twice back in October as a pacer but lined up today in the qualifying heat for trotters and put up a performance that suggests he has a big future in the trotting ranks.
He trotted away safely for trainer driver Sam Smolenski who immediately set a tempo not often seen in a qualifying heat for trotters.
The further they went, the further Don Pierre went clear and he eventually stopped the timer for the 2600 metres at 3:25.8, a mile rate of 2:07.3 which is nearly 14 seconds under the required time.
The official winning margin was 20 lengths and Sam let him ease down the last bit which explains the 31.6 last quarter.
Don Pierre looked to have a bit in reserve in our view at the finish
Sam Smolenski enjoyed some success earlier in the season with Don Pierre's full sister Paris Princess who won four races in a short space of time before being sold to North America and Don Pierre looks to have the ability to follow in her footsteps.
Vincent – 2 year old colt by Art Major from Kept For Pleasure
A $130,000 purchase out of the 2015 APG Sydney sale by longtime All Star client, Jean Feiss, Vincent showed today that he has the talent to go with the price tag.
Allowed to settle back in the field by Tim Williams, Vincent was still near last last on the final bend.
Eased to the outside, he just went straight past them for an outstanding win over a couple of more than handy two year olds.
Vincent cut out the 2000 metres in 2:32.5, a mile rate of 2:02.6 with his closing sectionals a very quick 55.3 and 27 and he ran through the line really strongly.
Ready To Fire – 2 year old filly by Somebeachsomewhere from Fight Fire With Fire
A $37,000 purchase by Graham Rogerson at last years Australasian Classic Yearling Sale, Ready To Fire looks the part and has the motor to go with it.
Allowed to settle in midfield by Tim Williams, she quickly ranged up to them on the last corner and then proved too strong in the run to the line.
Ready To Fire paced the 2000 metres in 2:30.3, a smart mile rate of 2:00.9 while her closing sections were 57.2 and 27.9.
Delightful Memphis – 2 year old filly by Bettor's Delight from Memphis Melody
A $46,000 purchase at the 2015 New Zealand Premier Yearling Sale by Wayne Higgs, Delightful Memphis lined up in a nine horse maiden heat today.
Mark Jones was content to sit last with her the whole way before unleashing her as they turned for home.
She just swept on by for an emphatic win that stamped her as a filly of real ability.
She paced the 2000 metres in 2:30.4, a mile rate of 2:00.9 and we timed her over her last 800 metres in 57.4 and 27.6 and she seemed to do it with plenty in reserve.
Already the subject of a six figure offer, Delightful Memphis is targeting the next Young Guns heat at Alexandra Park on March 4th.
Mr Kalypso – 2 year old colt by Art Major from Kalypso
A $90,000 purchase at the Sydney Apg Sale in 2015 by Mark Purdon, Mr Kalypso only ran fifth in his heat today but it was a top effort and stamped him as a colt to watch.
Caught behind a tiring runner at the 600 metres,Mr Kalypso lost contact with the leading group but at the finish he was right up with them again,making up a lot of ground late.
We timed him to run his last 800 in 56.9 and 400 metres in 27 even and Tim Williams was letting him do it under his own steam.
One to watch where ever he goes.
Harnesslink Media