Classic win for Crime Writer

Honest three-year-old gelding Crime Writer out-toughed the opposition to capture the Alabar Horsham Classic for Ecklin South horseman Matty Craven and Carrum Downs owners Tony and Pam Coniglio.

Craven drove the son of Sportswriter USA and Our Crime Of Passion NZ like he was the best horse in the race and so it proved as the $1.30 favourite bought up his fifth career victory.

“He’s the sort of horse you wish you had a stable full of,” Craven said as he accepted trophies from Alabar general manager Brett Coffey.

“While a step below the really good ones, he’s made both Vicbred Finals for two and three-year-olds and hopefully we can get through to the Breeders Crown Final in a few weeks.”

Drawn the extreme outside of the second line in the field of 11, Craven dropped to the back of the bunch until leaders sorted themselves and backed off the tempo.

With a mile to go Craven made his move and worked Crime Writer forward to race outside leader Luverboy – Kerryn Manning – for the last 1200 metres of the contest.

Craven put the pressure on at the 400-metre mark and Crime Writer dashed home in 27.5 seconds to score by four metres from Luverboy.

Crime Writer’s five wins, five minor placings and a bank of $76,310 from 22 starts represents considerable joy for his connections.

Mr Coffey also presented Craven with a service certificate to Auckland Reactor to pass on to the winning owners of the inaugural Alabar Horsham Classic.

“Pam and Tony have a few nice mares and I’m sure they’ll pick one out and make use of this,” Craven said.