The son of Grinfromeartoear recorded a slick 1.56 mile rate for the 1700m journey, with a neck margin to spare over Sapling Stakes winner Terror To Love, who was three wide and parked from the bell. There was 1 1/4 length back to third placed River Black who continued a good run of form for the Dean Taylor stable. Final sectional were cut out in 57.8 and 28.5.

The leading North island partnership of Reid/Rogerson had two runners in the event, with Reid unable to separate them previous to the race. "I really felt there was nothing between them. Gold Ace was a victim of circumstances tonight with things just not going his way, whereas the other fella got the trip to suit," said Reid. Charge Forward had always shown signs of being better than average, but with two previous sale purchases for the ATC Syndicate failing to deliver on their promise, the pressure was on Reid, but he was confident Charge Forward would bring them the desired result.

"Both Paddy Maguire and The Oyster Bar let me down, but this guy's away to a good start, and I think he's a big improver." The Northern raider appeared to pace roughly on occasions, but after conferring with Williamson, Reid is hoping to rectify the problem immediately. "Nathan said he was spooking on jumping something shortly after the start, and again at the finish. I will add a shadow roll and that should sort him for his next start."

Both Charge Forward and Gold Ace are likely to race next in the Sales Graduette at Addington on March 19, given they come through tonight's run in good shape.

The Highlights:

Top Driver: Craig Thornley and Nathan Williamson 2 wins.

Top Junior Driver: Nathan Williamson 2 wins.

Top Trainer: 10 different trainers from 10 races.

Top Sire: 10 different sires from 10 races.

Results from the Forbury Park Trotting Club's meeting held in Dunedin tonight (Thursday) were:

Race 1: The Bill Heads trained ALYAK NOVA (Sundon) Nathan Williamson.

Race 2: The Steven McRae trained RENAISSANCE FRANCO (Falcon Seelster) Craig Thornley.

Race 3: The Tom Kilkelly and Tracey Sherbourne trained PELE (Astreos) Andrew Armour.

Race 4: The Des Baynes trained ARTBEAT (Artiscape) Dexter Dunn.

Race 5: The Alister Kyle trained and driven BAD MAN RISING (Badlands Hanover).

Race 6: The Frank Bebbington trained AVALON PETITE (Evanders Gold) Mathew Williamson.

Race 7: The Steven Reid and Graeme Rogerson trained CHARGE FORWARD (Grinfromeartoear) Nathan Williamson.

Race 8: The Keiron Dance trained THE MOTH (Caprock) Brent Barclay.

Race 9: The Doug and Susan Breed trained BORAT (Courage Under Fire) Craig Thornley.

Race 10: The Brendan McLellan trained and driven SONGS O'SPRING (Live Or Die).

Extensive results. 

Steve DOLAN