Bankstown's best pacer Our Brahman Boy took the honors in the inaugural Bankstown Trotting Club Cup conducted in front of a great crowd on Saturday night.
Prepared by Bankstown's Trainer of the year Ali Khouiss and perfectly handled by Blake Fitzpatrick (pictured), Our Brahman Boy led all the way and held out the determined challenges of Karloo Mick and Golden Goal in rating 2:02.7 and recording a swift 57.0 last half over the demanding 2540m journey.
Local trainers were again to the fore at the Paceway with the John Palmer prepared Our Winsome Hanover looking good in his 13m victory at his first Australian start. Purchased through the Herbert Bloodstock Australia agency by local identity Ron Lloyd, the 5yo Badlands Hanover gelding rated a healthy 2:00.8 mile rate in downing Bluey Mahoney and Balmory.
Another local to salute on the night was Mick Watkins when he bought favourite elect Royal Place with a well timed run in the 3yo pace to easily account for Cosmic Babe and In Top Class. With the first half being run in farcical 68.6, a number of runners that raced at the rear looked a little unlucky but in the next event there were no excuses for the beaten brigade when quality mare Vixen Hanover proved far too good when winning the Allied Express Mares Championship Final.
Veteran trainer/driver Harry Martin was seen at his best when Rogers Reign led throughout later in the evening when well supported while leading driver Greg Bennett had to wait until the last race on the card to salute the judge, teaming with Mark Dent for Mighty Shogun`s easy victory.
Mighty Shogun became the 5th favourite to score on the night when accounting for Drummossie and Anguish in a 2:02.7 mile rate.
