Harness success across the region
Great Western trainer Peter Manning was rewarded for making the long haul north to Echuca with five-yearold mare Reciprocity when Jason Ainsworth reined her to victory in a $5000 contest for class 4-6 pacers.
After being caught three wide early from gate six at the start of the journey, Reciprocity raced outside the leader throughout before dashing home in 28.2 seconds and a clear margin of 3.4 metres at the post.
Reciprocity started her career in New Zealand before crossing the ditch and winning races at Newcastle, Albion Park and Tamworth.
The recent addition to Manning’s team has now won two from two after saluting at Stawell on cup day.
Bendigo success
Smart Armstrong-trained three-yearold gelding Im Sir Blake took out a $7000 event at Bendigo on Friday night for owner-trainers Leroy and Danny O’brien.
Kerryn Manning took the drive on the son of Alta Christiano NZ and the odds-on favourite proved too tough after racing outside the leader.
Im Sir Blake is now a three-time winner from just 11 starts and with five minor placings has earned stakes of $26,530.
Horsham win
The Horsham stable of Barry and Aaron Dunn notched up a winning double at Mildura on Tuesday night with their four-year-old geldings Always On and Madazalways.
Always On took advantage of the pole draw to lead all the way over the sprint trip and record his sixth win from 16 outings.
Stablemate Madazalways came from two back in the running line at the bell to score by a length and his third career victory. Aaron bred both horses from his former winning race mares Regards and Madazhell.
Penny Drops
Promising Stawell owned and trained three-year-old trotter The Penny Drops will contest Saturday night’s $50,000 Vicbred Home Grown Classic final at Melton after winning a heat on Monday night.
The son of colonial stallion Danny Bouchea is raced by his breeders, the Harvey-hateley and Pickering families and is the winner of three races from only four starts.
Trainer Ray Harvey, driver Neil Mccallum and connections will be hoping for a decent marble at the barrier draw for Saturday night’s contest.