Noel Kennards Prodigal Seelster Summer Of Speed Final for older mares today at Ashburton Raceway only drew a field of eight runners but there were plenty of chances in an open field.
The southern visitor Sheeza Shark was sent out a warm favourite on the strength of a win at Ashburton in a heat of the series but drew barrier eight due to the preferential system in place for the final.
Tintinara led early for Dexter Dunn before handing up to Valor Lustre and Blair Orange who continued to roll once he found the front with New Years Jay and John Dunn sitting on his wheel..
Blair kept the tempo going from the half which made it really hard for those back in the field to make any ground.
Turning for home New Years Jay went up to Valor Lustre but the big strong McArdle mare kept finding and was comfortably holding her at bay over the last 200 metres.
New Years Jay fought on gamely for second after being parked the whole trip while Tintinara nabbed third up the passing lane after a lovely run in the trail the whole way.
Sheeza Shark made little headway from the back,finishing a disappointing seventh.
Valor Lustre cut the mile out in a sharp 1:54.3 with closing sectionals of 55.3 and 27.2
Trainer/owner Ivan Court was all smiles post race.
" Once she got to the front I thought she was a big chance."
" She is very tough and I thought they would have their work cut out getting past her."
Ivan is now seriously thinking about lining Valor Lustre up in the New Zealand Premier Mares Championship at Addington next Friday night.
" We will see how she comes through today's run first but I am leaning towards lining her up."
" She is a bit under rated in some quarters but I think she will measure up," Ivan said.
Ivan bred Valor Lustre from his former smart racemare Regal Lustre who won five but he thinks Valor Lustre is a lot better mare.
" I think Valor Lustre is a very smart mare and think she has a few more wins in front of her yet," Ivan said.
Harnesslink Media