NEW Zealand continued its dominance of the Group 1 SEW-Eurodrive Bill Collins Mile when Glenbogle won the $50,000 classic last night at Moonee Valley.
Trotters from the “Shaky Isles” have now won nine of the 12 Bill Collins Miles contested since the event was introduced to the racing calendar.
Glenbogle’s victory was an extra sweet one for owner-trainer Kevin Fairbairn after guiding the giant Armbro Invasion gelding into second place in the Mile last year.
The seven-year-old did it in emphatic fashion last night smashing the track record, returning a career best 1:57.1 mile rate which took 0.6 seconds off the record set by fellow Kiwi Take A Moment in 2002.
“The win was extra special,” Fairbairn said. “We are just small fish in a big pond and to win this race in Melbourne is a big thrill.”
Fairbairn described Glenbogle as a totally professional racehorse.
“When he went to the front I thought he would be hard to beat,” he added.
“There was more speed at the start if Chris (Alford) wanted to use it, but he didn’t have to.
“And the run will do him the world of good with the Australian Grand Prix here (Moonee Valley) next Saturday night.”
Winning driver Chris Alford was impressed with Glenbogle’s victory.
“He is a big strong horse and when he got to the front that easy it was going to be hard for all the others to run him down,” Alford said.
“He relaxed when in front and was never in any real trouble.”
In setting the track record Glenbogle covered his quarters in 28.6, 32, 28.5 and 28 seconds.
A perennial bridesmaid in feature races, Glenbogle last night broke through for the first Group 1 victory of a career that has now netted 12 victories and over $265,000 in stakes.
Second placing in the Mile went to last year’s winner Clares Brother who led early before taking a trail, whilst odds-on favourite A Touch Of Flair was an honest third after parking outside the leader over the final 800-metres.
Glenbogle will now renew acquaintances with that duo in next Saturday’s $100,000 Australian Trotting Grand Prix at Moonee Valley, whilst stablemate Whatsundermykilt and Inter Dominion champion Delft will provide a strong support cast for the rampaging Kiwis.
