HONOLUA BAY TAKES A.G. HUNTER CUP

■ Two big meetings to end the TAB Nights Of Glory Carnival were held on Friday and Saturday night and what great spectacles they were.

Victoria’s biggest race of the season – the $500,000 Del Re National A.G. Hunter Cup was held at Melton on Saturday, with the $300,000 Woodlands Stud Great Southern Star for Trotters on Friday.

The A.G. Hunter Cup – the Melbourne Cup of Harness Racing brought together a great and even field with Victoria Cup winner Copy That the favourite – the winner being the Emma S tewart/Clayton Tonkin (Cardigan) trained 6Y0 Somebeachsomewhere-National Gallery gelding Honolua Bay raced by Lauriston Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Managed by Anne Anderson).

Coming off a mind boggling second in the Ballarat Cup on January 23 behind Copy That, Honolua Bay driven by David Moran who had won the cup with Lochinvar Art in 2021 was eased at the start from gate four to settle three back in the moving line as Mach Dan roared across the face of the field from outside the front line, but couldn’t head off polemarker Spirit Of St Louis.

The outside division chopped and changed after Inter Dominion winner I Cast No Shadow (gate three) vacated the one/one spot to race exposed with favourite Copy That (gate six –one/two) following him forward to occupy that position with two laps to travel. These moved pushed Honolua Bay back a spot in the running line.

Racing for the bell Anthony Butt set Rock N Roll Doo alight to circle the field and join the leader being trailed up by Old Town Road from the tail who then crossed to face the breeze.

A hush came over the crowd shortly after when Copy That after choking down was eased out of the race by Blair Orange taking no further part. This now relegated Honolua Bay to five back in the running line.

Running along the back straight on the final occasion, Mach Dan commended a three wide forward move from four back with David Moran and Honolua Bay immediately following.

In a great tactical display by Moran, Honolua Bay was switched to be on Spirit Of St Louis’ back on turning and using the sprint lane to perfection, Raced clear over the concluding stages to record a 4.7 metre victory over I Cast No Shadow (four wide on straightening), with Old Town Road third a half head away. Mach Dan was fourth 1.8 metres back and Expensive Ego fifth a further five metres away. Spirit Of St Louis gave ground after being given no respite to finish sixth 13.7 metres from the winner.

In quarters of 30.2, 30.3, 28.5 and 28.3 for the last 800 metres after a lead time of 80.3 seconds, Honolua Bay returned a rate of 1-55.2 which was 2 seconds outside Tiger Tara’s 153.2 set in 2019.

■ The Great Southern Star with heats and final on the same night saw Inter Dominion champ Just Believe add another string to his bow. Probably a certainty beaten in his heat after coming from near the rear to be beaten by 1.9 metres by former champion juvenile Plymouth Chubb which led throughout, Just Believe had luck go his way when drawing the pole, but had to be used up over the 1720 metre trip to try and retain the lead as both Aldebaran Zeus (gate three) and Musafa Metro (gate five) burnt away, with heat winner Im Ready Jet (gate two) holding his ground, however Mufasa Metro (third in his heat after trailing Majestic Man) had superior speed to cross and assume control hitting the front straight with a lap to travel.

Giving a sight approaching the home turn, Mufasa Metro was nabbed over the concluding stages by Just Believe along the sprint lane, with Im Ready Jet third after moving to shadow the leader in the final circuit.

Raced by the Iona Trotter Syndicate who have had a season never to be forgotten, trained by Jess Tubbs and driven by husband Greg Sugars, Just Believe scored by 3.6 metres from Mufasa Metro, with Im Ready Jet third a neck away. The mile rate 1-55.5 which was 2.5 seconds outside Tornado Hanover’s 1-53.1 set in 2021.

At Wedderburn

■ Maryborough hosted a terrific Wedderburn

Harness Racing

Monday at Mildura

■ Mildura also raced on Monday and Charlton’s Shane and Ryan Sanderson chalked up another victory with in-form 7Y0 Art MajorSahara Miss gelding Sahara Tiger who scored in the fast class race of the night, the Thanks Julie Smith Pace over 1790 metres.

Restrained from outside the front line to settle four pegs as old timer Bernie Winkle a winner of over $633,000 led from gate three (which was actually gate four) after scratchings with regular reinsperson Ellen Tormey in the sulky.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

len-baker@ bigpond.com with Len Baker fixture to commence the week on Monday January 30 with provided plenty of action throughout the afternoon.

■ Nagambie trainer/driver Mel Thackeray was successful with 4Y0 Aldebaran Eagle-Aldebaran Turnpike mare Aldebaran Tanisha in the 1st division of the Aldebaran Park Platinum Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.

Raced by breeder Aldebaran Lodge Pty Ltd along with Danny and Mel Thackeray, Aldebaran Tanisha coming off a tough second at Kilmore on January 19 led throughout from gate two, easily accounting for Keayang Zendaya (gate four) which broke in the score up (one/ two – one/one at bell) by 17.8 metres in a mile rate of 2-05.6. Cronk came from the rear for third 13.8 metres back.

■ The second division saw Daisy Bouchea, a 4Y0 daughter of Danny Bouchea and Bellerina Spur part-owned, trained and driven by Stawell’s Jason Ainsworth lead throughout from the pole to record an effortless 14.4 metre margin over the hot favourite Fredrhys which galloped away as the start was effected giving away a tidy start to settle at the tail with the exception of Windy which was tailed off after galloping prior to the start taking place.

Rated to perfection, Daisy Bouchea gave her rivals the slip on the home turn to coast to the wire in advance of Fredrhys which raced exposed at the bell and battled on gamely. Poppy Popstar also bad away made ground to be one/ one at the bell and three wide on the home turn when third a half head away. The rate 2-06.1.

■ Eleven year old Noopy Kiosk-Baby Button gelding Chrisken Kiosk part-owned, trained and driven by Gruyere hobbyist Ken Browne seems to have been going round forever and at start number 181 which consists of 9 wins and 42 placings, snared the Bob Steel Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres.

Prone to make mistakes at times, Chrisken Kiosk on this occasion did everything right lobbing one/one from gate four after Supplanter after a daring drive by Herbie saw Supplanter make a forward rush from three back in the running line at the bell to cross the poleline leader Beware The Fury racing for the bell.

This left Chrisken Kiosk exposed for the final circuit but showing plenty of tenacity, wore down Supplanter to score by 1.4 metres in a rate of 2-02.5. Mystic Chip starting outside the front line made an unusual gallop shortly after the start, but ran on late for third 2.9 metres away.

■ Form analyst, race caller and host at times Rob Auber and partners owners of 5Y0 Art Major-Bellas Delight mare Le Belle Bijoux would have been thrilled when she broke back into the winners list for the first time since August last year by taking out the 1690 metre Vale Bill Yorston Pace.

Given a lovely trip by Michael Bellman one/ one from gate four trailing the heavily supported My Ultimate Levi which had moved to shadow the leader Goodtime Halo racing for the bell.

When My Ultimate Levi raced to the front on the final bend, Le Belle Bijoux was poised to pounce on his back and that she did in the shadows of the post to prevail by a half head in a thrilling finish. Reason To Be which trailed the pacemaker was third 6.5 metres away after easing wide approaching the home turn. The mile rate 1-55.1.

Coming away from the markers to race exposed at the bell, Sahara Tiger raced by a large syndication including HRV Chairman Dale Monteith, Board member Peter Watkinson and breeder Bruce Paul outstayed the former Mildura ‘Horse Of The Year’ to register a strong 6.6 metre margin returning a mile rate of 158.4. Wiltshire Boulevard was third 14.1 metres back after trailing the leader.

■ Red Cliffs owner/trainer Reece Moore who had a great season last year is continuing on the good work and 9Y0 Village Jolt-Priscilla Presley gelding White Star Village driven by ‘star’ reinsman Jack Laugher led throughout from gate three to land the Weightman’s Packaging & Stationery Pace over 2190 metres (his 19th in 155 outings).

Always in control, White Star Village just lasted to defeat Flame Buster (three pegs – four wide on turning) by a half neck, with Woody Nightshade (three wide last lap from the rear) third 2.7 metres away. Reece is always on the lookout for a horse to join the stable.

Geelong victories

■ Geelong raced on Tuesday with an interesting program and Gordon trainer/driver Ryan Duffy who stables at the McGuigan property was successful aboard Kvintet Avenger-Sheza Spur 3Y0 gelding Nuclear Attitude in the Haras Des Trotteurs 3Y0 + Maiden Trotters Maiden.

Given an easy time from inside the second line following polemarker Mont Sally, Ryan eased Nuclear Attitude three wide on the final bend and he ran home nicely to record a 1.9 metre victory over the pacemaker, with Mriya Dream third a neck away after racing exposed from the bell after a slow beginning from the extreme draw. The mile rate 2-05.6.

■ Terang’s Mattie Craven snared the 2100 metre Southern Cross Feeds Pace with Rubens Plight, a 4Y0 gelded son of Western Terror and Im Wrongly Accused.

Leading out from gate two before allowing polemarker Lord Verde to move around him, Rubens Plight enjoyed a cosy passage and dashed through along the sprint lane on turning to win by 3.1 metres over Final Peace out wide from mid-field, with Mister Macedon a game third 2.3 metres away after racing uncovered. The mile rate 1-57.7. Matty and partner Amy Day are to become parents in a few months time.

■ Local Anakie part-owner/trainer Tim Bolitho’s horses always run well at Geelong and 10Y0 Tell All-Monaco Miss gelding Morvah chalked up his 14th success in 140 starts when successful in the B&S Stock & Pet Supplies Pace over 1609 metres.

With James Herbertson in the sulky, Morvah was eased three wide from three back in the last lap, sustaining a long run to prevail by a neck from the hot favourite Chogi which led from the pole. Cornish Smuggler a stablemate of the winner was a tough third 7.1 metres back after racing in the open. The mile rate 1-59.4.

■ Ex-New Zealand brothers Craig and Tony Jamieson training out of the Cranbourne complex landed the Devcon Properties Trotters Mobile over 2100 metres with 6Y0 Peak-Sapient mare B K Merlot in a mile rate of 2-01.2. Settling near last from gate three on the second line, B K Merlot was sent forward prior to the bell to park outside the leader Hes Themightyspin (gate six) momentarily before gaining cover from the favourite Stockman Peter which had followed her forward.

When Stockman Peter raced clear prior to the home turn he looked all over a winner with B K Merlot giving chase.

Shifting away from the markers in the straight,

■ Wednesday – Stawell/Shepparton, Thursday – Bendigo, Friday – Geelong, Saturday –Melton, Sunday – Kilmore, Monday –Warragul, Tuesday – Mildura.

Stockman Peter was claimed by B K Merlot using the sprint lane to go down by 1.6 metres. Goodtimedonthesash ran home out wide from mid-field for third 11 metres back.

Double day

■ Two meetings were held on Wednesday –Horsham in the afternoon and Bendigo at night.

Veteran Hamilton trainer Jim Barker combined with granddaughter Jackie Barker to land The WeeklyAdvertiser 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1700 metres aboard Four Starzzz SharkNymeria gelding Underattack returning a mile rate of 1-59. Carrying the Team Teal colours, Underattack began fast to lead from gate six and couldn’t be caught although at times it looked like he would.

Giving plenty in the straight, Underattack scored by 1.2 metres from I Knew Not Where which raced outside him for most of the journey, heading him in the straight. Betting On Courage which trailed the winner used the sprint lane for third 1.1 metres back.

■ Stawell’s Jason Ainsworth trained and reined 5Y0 Shadow Play-Ganehigh mare Tallaras Shadow to snare the 2200 metre Horsham Cup Sunday Feb 26 Pace.

Taken back to the tail from gate three as I Betuwantano led from gate four, Tallarah Shadow enjoyed a nice trail forward in the last lap trailing Ubetcha Tigerpie forward three wide.

Peeling wide in the straight Tallarah Shadow finished best to blouse the pacemaker, with Ubetcha Tigerpie holding down third.The margins 1.2 metres by a half head in a mile rate of 2-00.8.

■ Mattie Craven was victorious with Mach Three-Shes A Cool Lady 5Y0 gelding Hes A Cool Mach in the $45 Dining Feb 26 Book West Side Pace over 2200 metres.

Handing the reins to Greg Sugars, Hes A Cool Mach (gate two) led all of the way at a slow tempo (first quarter 32.3), having plenty left in the tank to register a 2.2 metre margin over Jilliby Selwood which raced outside him in a rate of 200.2 (last half 55.9). Over The Odds after trailing the winner from the pole was third 1.1 metres away.

■ At Bendigo, Bowenvale trainer Gerard Jamieson was successful with 5Y0 Julius Caesar-Black Magic Lady gelding Sunday Mornings who led throughout from the pole in the Bendigo Locksmiths Pace over 1650 metres.

Driven by Jack McKinnon, Sunday Mornings gave his rivals the slip on the final bend to blitz his rivals by 45.7 metres in a mile rate of 157.4 from Fred Ned and Tormentare which both gave chase in the straight from mid-field with 3.3 metres separating the pair.

■ Popular local owner/trainer Trevor Monk’s 5Y0 Western Terror-Blue Seelster gelding Blue Cannon did a big job to win the Smartline Personal Mortgage Advise Pace over 1650 metres. Trapped wide from gate five, reinsman Rod Petroff had no option but to go back to the tail of the field as Good Feelings led from gate four. Going forward three wide uncovered in the last lap, Blue Cannon sustained a long run to gain the day easily at the finish from Le Spartacus (one/three) which followed him home running into the home turn. Trumpys Legend (one/one) was third. The margins 5.6 by 4 metres in a mile rate of 1-58.8.

- Len Baker

■ One of three two-year-old classic races will be run at Sandown, prior to the Blue Diamond Final day on February 25.

The first of the Blue Diamond Previews for colt and fillies was run on Australia Day at Sandown, with some good runs.

The first of these was in the Colts section, with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, winning with a smart type in The Instructor.

Having his first start at the tricky Sandown track with the downhill run from the 1000 metre start, he handled the sharp turn well.

With the track at Caulfield classic under renovation, the Blue Diamond will be run for the first time at Sandown.

The Instructor is superbly bred being by the classic sire, Russian Revolution, out of Right of Way, and is bred for speed.

Handled superbly by top Victorian rider, Justin Childs, he showed outstanding pace, to career away winning in great style.

He was quickly elevated to favourite for the Diamond by Neds Betting.

The Instructor, on that run, has got to be hard to beat

On the second line of betting is the James Cummings colt, Barber , who scored in great fashion, back on November 5.

He won in great style, and was an early favourite for the Magic Millions. He is however been back right into favourtism. Keep your eye on the market.