Swan Hill Trots.
Swan Hill Trotting Club can justifiably lay claim to having one of the fastest tracks in Australia. Club President Gerrard Moloney said the track is racing in supurb fashion as indicated by the results from last Tuesday's meeting.
At that meeting the Matthew Craven-trained Babalaas Jack set a blistering speed in front after leading from outside of the mobile. The six-year-old ran along at almost breakneck speed for the entire 2240-metre journey and recorded a new track mile rate record of 1.55.9 in winning by just over 11 metres.
Trainer-driver Matt Craven felt if he was able to lead he was a very strong winning chance however the outside barrier did have him more than a bit concerned. Any fears of being planted were soon forgotten as the opportunity arose for the lead to be his and he grabbed it with both hands.
The new track record holder’s moment in the sun unfortunately didn’t last long. The very next race Kerryn Manning’s Ideal Success NZ over the same distance set a new record 1.55.7. Kerryn admitted post-race she was a little concerned on the home corner having been three-deep for some distance, however the seven-year-old American ideal gelding maintained his momentum to win by 1.6 metres. All of the last four quarters were under 30 with the all-important 3rd quarter down the back straight (into a slight breeze) recorded at 28.3 with the winner getting home in 28.8.
A couple of early indicators that the track was on fire became apparent when the first starter Courageous Saint rated a slick 1.57.1 for trainer Vince Vallelonger and drive Corey Bell. Mildura based trainer Luke Watson was another who enjoyed the nights racing as his horse Fat Kennys Drop NZ ran a blistering 1.55.9 over the 1750 metre distance. In his pre-race interview Luke said he felt that all of his horses were going to be competitive on the night and Fat Kennys Drop certainly lived up to all of Luke’s expectations.
Swan Hill Trotting Club’s next meeting is its big Christmas party meeting to be held on Tuesday 19th of December and club Manager Marnya Watson said bookings for the meeting are filling fast as a lot of businesses appear ready to take the opportunity to have their Christmas party at the Swan Hill Trots.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Marnya Watson at 0417 344 802 or email at swanhill@hrv.org.au.
