The All Star barn have had a great Cup Day the last couple of years and after Tuesday's six wins most pundits thought they would win as many if not more yesterday at Addington Raceway.
One All Star runner expected to be hard to beat was Superfecta in the $32,000 Show Day Futurity.
However Scott Phelan on Ashton K was determined that if he was going to be beaten, it wouldn't be through lack of trying.
Scott and Ashton K flew out of the barrier from post seven and after balancing up Scott sent him to the front after 600 metres.
Not long after Articulight and Mark Jones had a look for the front but Scott was having none of it and kicked up again.
Going past the 600 metres he was joined by Superfecta but Scott kept him at bay and they turned for home together.
Just when it looked like Superfecta would prevail, he went into a gallop and lost all chance leaving Ashton K clear for a hard earned victory.
Scott was all smiles post race.
“ It is good when a longterm plan comes off as it has here.”
“ After a couple of burns during the race it was a good effort to stick on like he did.”
“ I thought Superfecta may have had us at the top of the straight but my fella had fought back when Superfecta galloped,” Scott said.
The 2600 metres was cut out in a very quick 3:10.8 so there was no place for the faint hearted in yesterdays final.
Scott was unsure of where Ashton K would race next.
“ He is much better the left handed way of going which is why we have brought him south so often but with the Auckland Cup meeting on our doorstep, we may have to give him his chance at Alexandra Park,” Scott said.
Wherever he goes, Ashton K has shown he has what it takes to be competitive.
Harnesslink Media