Allan Beck plans to look after Riverton TC maiden winner Shortys Mate.
That’s because he knows that if he progresses the way he thinks he will, he could be a runner in the end of season feature for three year old colts and geldings in the province, the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes.
“He’s quite tough and has a good engine."
"We’ll see how he handles the C1 grade before we make any plans."
"He’s pretty inexperienced and only had a couple of run at the workouts as a two and three year old."
"Some of the horses in that grade have won three to four races,” said trainer Allan Beck.
Shortys Mate is by Art Major out of the classy mare Shortys Girl.
She won eleven races including the Group One New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Stakes in 2002 and 2003.
“She’s been a bit disappointing as a broodmare but he (Shortys Mate) appears to be the best of them."
" She has a two year by Rocknroll Hanover."
"A lot of his horses in New Zealand touch a knee but his fella (Shortys Image) is good gaited."
"He won’t make a two year old but he goes good."
"I actually sent a mare to Rocknroll Hanover who has semen at Macca Lodge."
"He’s one of the top stallions in America and was $20,000 when he first stood here but now he’s $8,000 which is pretty good value.”
Shortys Mate is owned by Moira Bell whose late husband Graham bred him.
Moira’s son John Murchison who worked in the harness racing industry from the mid 80’s to mid 90s as a stable hand and driver was also on-course the share in the win.
Murchison worked and drove for the late Bryce Buchanan when he ran his successful stable at West Plains.
He drove thirteen winners including twelve as a junior horseman.
Bruce Stewart
Reproduced with the permission of Southland Harness Racing – Check site here