The experienced harness racing trainer was quick to play down the performance, but did suggest Captain Peacock would be better for the run.

"I didn't have him real tight for that run and I would think that he would be spot on for his next," said Taylor. The durable son of Live Or Die has compiled and outstanding record of four wins from just seven starts, and is now a possible runner in the Flying Stakes. "I guess we will have to have a go. At least give him his opportunity against those good horses. I will talk with the owners and make a final decision, but the timing is good."

Owned by a group of longtime stable supporters, Captain Peacock is from a family well known to Taylor who trained his dam Enchanting (Sands A Flyin) to win first up, as well as grandam Go Anna (Dancing Master) to win four races. From the family of Anzus (6 wins, 1.54.4USA), Captain Peacock is a close relation to the Dean Taylor trained Life Of Luxury (12 wins,1.51.1MUSA) and Lilac Splash (3 wins to date).

After galloping away from the 10m mark, Captain Peacock added a further 30-40m to his handicap and settled well behind the field. As soon as the paced eased, driver Mark Jones sent the $1.40 favorite forward to land up outside the leader at the 800. Under a heady drive from Jones, The three year old Live Or Die gelding responded with Vivacious tenacity to hold out Banyula Fella by a half neck at the line.

The overall time was a mild 3.04.3, but it's was impressive final sectionals of 57.1 and 26.9 that told a story of there being more to come from Captain Peacock.

The Highlights:Top Sire: Christian Cullen 2 wins.

Top Driver: Dexter Dunn, Mark Jones and John Hay 2 wins each.

Top Junior Driver: Dexter Dunn 2 wins.

Top Trainer: Dean Taylor and John Hay 2 wins.

Results from the Ashburton Trotting Club's meeting at Ashburton Raceway yesterday (Wednesday) were:

Race 1: The Doug McCormick trained and driven GEE ITSA BOY (Brylin Boyz).

Race 2: The Dean Taylor trained EASTWOOD CULLEN (Christian Cullen) Mark Jones.

Race 3: The Dean Taylor trained CAPTAIN PEACOCK (Live Or Die) Mark Jones.

Race 4: The John Hay trained and driven SUN OF LOOSE (Sundon).

Race 5: The John Hay trained and driven PAY ME CULLEN (Christian Cullen).

Race 6: The Cran Dalgety trained ANVILS NEVER EASY (In The Pocket) Dexter Dunn.

Race 7: The Peter Jones trained FALCON PERFORMER (Falcon Seelster) Ricky May.

Race 8: The Joanne Burrows trained JUMANJI FRANCO (CR Commando) Craig Thornley.

Race 9: The Henderson Hunter trained ARNOUX (Elsu) Dexter Dunn.

Extensive results.

Steve DOLAN