The two leading candidates for the two harness racing age group features on Diamonds Day in April, Whittaker (Supremacy Stakes Final) and Seaswift Joy both recorded wins at Wyndham yesterday (Sunday).
Both were racing older horses and in Seaswift Joy's case having her first start from a stand. She began well before handing up to Gotta Del driven by Matty Williamson.
"I was quite happy to lead but Matty was pretty keen to get to the front. She's still only a three year old filly so it's difficult to get up and punch against this grade of horse.
I'd like to give her a bit of a freshener. There's some big races coming up for her. There's no sense in racing silly at the moment," said co – trainer and driver Gordon Lee.
Seaswift Joy and Gordon Lee too strong for Gotta Del – Photo by Bruce Stewart
Seaswift Joys winning time was 3-00.1 for the 2400 metre stand – a new track record for three year old fillies. The previous record has held by Bonnie Lass. Her 3-01.4 was recorded in 1999. The time is also a Southland track record.
Class three year old Sportswriter colt Whittaker received an identical trip trailing Royal Bengal for most of his race. He sped up the passing lane and won easily untouched by four and a quarter lengths.
Bruce Stewart
Southland harness Racing