AndersonDunn combination features again
SAME trainer, same driver, same results, different day.
There was no change last night to the regularity of the success Westwood Beach trainer Graeme Anderson has at Forbury Park meetings. If anything, it increased.
The trainer produced the winner of three races from just four starters.
Anderson’s winning roll started when Bettor Sensation prevailed after his backers were made to wait.
Multiple false starts, gear adjustments and unruly horses meant the second race resembled a scene from a Western movie rather than a harness race.
In the end, Bettor Sensation delivered easily for his first win, paying $1.90 for the win.
In the next race, Anderson and Dunn struck again when Linton Shard sprinted away to a four and ahalf length victory.
The combination made it three from three when Smooth Mara sprinted best off a dawdling speed to win race 7, last night’s feature pace over 2200m.
Dunn heads to tonight’s pre mier meeting at Addington and is expecting an improved performance from Renezmae when she lines up in the New Zealand Trotting Oaks.
The 3yrold was comprehensively beaten in the Southland Trotting Oaks on March 10 by race rival Luby Lou.
Dunn knew the Jack Harringtontrained filly was in trouble before the Invercargill race when she did not feel her usual bright self during her preliminary.
‘‘She didn’t really warm up as good as she can at Invercargill so her run [for second] was pretty good considering.’’
Dunn knows it is a huge ask to turn the tables on Luby Lou, but hopes Renezmae can and is buoyed by reports of her improvement since their Invercargill race.
‘‘Jack has been happy with the way she has worked. He has put some blinds on her and said she is trotting really well.
‘‘Luby Lou jogged it at Invercargill, but she got it really easy in front.’’
Dunn also looks to be running for second on star mare Bonnie Joan tonight.
Another Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussentrained pacer in More The Bettor looks to have tonight’s group 3 freeforall at his mercy.
Chances of a PurdonRasmussen victory the group 3 Flying Stakes were almost sealed yesterday.
Trainer Nigel McGrath was forced to scratch his star 3yrold, Sherriff, from the race. The colt had a minor nasal discharge and was too good to risk racing when not at his absolute best.
‘‘It’s a shame because from that draw he had a chance to stamp his authority but he is too good of a horse to be risking.’’
‘‘He will race in a grade race next week and go on to the [New Zealand] Derby.’’
His withdrawal means Pat’s Delight is main hope to bring down the PurdonRasmussen trio of Sicario, Anthem and Funatthebeach tonight.
Blair Orange drove last night’s feature trot winner, Its Elvis, at Forbury Park.
Its Elvis, trained by Darryn Simpson, showed he is at the top of his game by backing up his win on the track two weeks ago.
It gave Simpson a training double as he also won race 6 with Pres The Belle.
Orange, too, had a winning double, as he drove the Kirstin Barclaytrained Zenola’s Art to success in race 4.