Wyndham harness racing trainer Brendon McLellan is no stranger to having a good horse in his barn and in Wick he has another one to carry his blue and red colours with distinction.
Brought up to Canterbury for the South Of the Waitaki series at Addington during July, Wick has just got better and bettor and even though he was badly drawn at barrier eight over the 1950 metres tonight in the $23,500 C0 and faster Alabar Super Series Final, he was made a warm favourite.
Away well but not super quick from out wide, driver John Dunn had Wick in the three wide line early before working to the front with 1200 metres to go with Lucky Luciano and Gavin Smith taking a trail and Western Art and Ricky May facing the breeze.
Nearing the turn John Dunn upped the ante and shot clear and although Lucky Luciano took some ground off him late, Wick won with a lot in hand.
John Dunn was full of praise for the son of Panspacificflight post race.
"He did that really easily and could have won have won by a lot more but I let him coast the last 100 metres tonight."
" Every start he just gets better and has become a much more rounded racehorse."
" He has got real speed and a bit of bottom to him and I think there is a fair bit of improvement in him yet," John said.
Brendon McLellan was all smiles in the birdcage.
" The South of Waitaki series has made this horse and he has come a long way in a short time."
"He was always a bit of a big dummy but he has come of age up here."
" He can have a wee break now and should come back better again," Brendon said.
The South of Waitaki series was a great concept from the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club over the winter and lets hope it becomes a permanent fixture on the racing calendar.
Harnesslink Media