Quality trotter Sundons Wish won his fifth race at Ascot Park today when he ground down Mass Invasion to win by a half a length.
The six year old Sundon gelding now has Cup Day on his radar and according to trainer Ian Jamieson he won't start in the south, he'll head for Canterbury.
"I'd like to keep his rating down for that two mile race at Addington on Cup Day. He won't start at the races (in Southland) again but we'll probably still go to the workouts. I might try and have a private hit out with Nathan (trainer Nathan Williamson)," he said.
Like a lot of the progeny by Sundon, Sundons Wish has high speed and this is matched with good manners.
"He's always been a high speed horse but we've finally got him going. His manners are impeccable – he doesn't have any tricks."
The gelding was driven today for the first time by junior driver Sheree Tomlinson.
Sundon's Wish and Sheree Tomlinson beating Mass Invasion and Elle Barron – Photo Bruce Stewart
"I told her to take it easy over the first bit and said after that the rest is up to you. She just sat and waited for them to do something. She's a good wee driver – that's why I put her on. She's driven lots of trotters. She said he was a lovely drive but didn't think he was a 100% in his gait. He's got a bit of a sore foot but we're working on that. I'll just work on his shoeing and work it out that way."
The win was one of two for Riverton fisherman Neville Cleaver. He also owns Franco Santino which impressively won the last race on the card.
Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing