Patience pays off as The White Rabbit breaks drought

SOUTHERN 3yrold The White Rabbit bounced back to winning form at the right time at Ascot Park in Invercargill yesterday.

The pacer came with a searing finish to put a poor run of form behind him to win for trainerdriver Kirk Larsen.

That previous form was the result of circumstance, rather than the Sportswriter pacer not being at the top of his game, Larsen said.

‘‘The handicapping system crucifies a horse like him. He has been up and racing pretty hardened horses.

‘‘And he has not been having a lot of luck with it.’’

Larsen used patient tactics with The White Rabbit in yesterday’s win.

He resisted the urge to move from a midfield spot on the home straight.

That move paid off when The White Rabbit unleashed a sizzling sprint.

The win means The White Rabbit will take winning form into Southland’s biggest meeting of the season on Saturday — Diamonds Day at Ascot Park.

The 3yrold could make it two wins in five days as he starts from barrier 2 in a rating 5256 event.

Larsen said he would monitor how The White Rabbit comes through yesterday’s win before making a decision on starting the horse.

The White Rabbit missed qualification for Saturday’s feature race for 3yrold colts and geldings, the Southern Supremacy Stakes Final.

The group 2 feature’s leading qualifier and possible favourite, Robyns Playboy, will have the chance to lead all of the way after drawing barrier 1.

The Ross Wilson trained pacer has one of his main rivals, Global Domination, drawn outside him in barrier 4.

Another leading contender, Memphis Tennessee, has drawn on the second row.

Canterbury fillies Mossdale Art and Kendra had their chances in Saturday’s Southland Oaks boosted after they drew well.

The Greg and Nina hope trained pair drew barriers 4 and 5, respectively.