Hometown trainer-driver Laura Spencer overcame a nasty cold to land her first winning treble as Maitland Harness Racing Club kicked off their 10-meeting season on Saturday night.
Spencer won the opening race with Whata Dilemma ($4.90) by 35 metres, the second with Son Of A Star ($7.20) and fifth with Bettor Ranger ($2.10 favourite).
It was the full-time early childhood worker’s first winning treble as a trainer or driver and came on a cold night while battling the flu.
“I own that mare myself so that makes it even better,” Spencer said of Whata Dilemma.
“She’s been in good form. She’s just had bad luck at Menangle, but other than that she’s a really good mare.
“Son Of A Star, we've had eight wins with him and he just tries really hard, and he loves the smaller tracks just as much as the bigger ones, so he’s very versatile, which is really good.
“Bettor Ranger, I’ve had her for three starts. I got her off some really good owners from Queensland and we're really happy with her. She’s come a long way and I think she’s going to become a lot more tractable.”
Better Ranger had been second twice at Newcastle for Spencer, who was eyeing a shot at the Menangle Country series heats with her next month.
Spencer has 10 horses in work with help from her father, Rex Spencer.
Trainer Cameron Davies, who was away and had his brother, Anthony, looking after his team, won with Kool Kenny and Stevie Dee. The Bevan Pringle-trained Rolling Along claimed the Maureen Mordue Memorial.
By Craig Kerry