Aussie harness racing stable snippets

To quote one of my favorite Australian Football League commentators Brian 'Bristle' Taylor: "Boy Oh Boy…Wow-eee!" And even former harness racing Sydneysiders Shane and Lauren Tritton, now domiciled in North America, admit that they are pinching themselves.

The couple is living in Pine Bush, an hour from New York City, and have had two starters for the 100 percent strike rate of two victories.

My Ruebe Star got the job done mid Saturday morning Australian time and then stablemate Gods Spirit did likewise the following day. Both won at the famed Meadowlands circuit and were handled by Jordan Stratton. They naturally came in for support on our TAB agencies so there was sure to be plenty of cheering around the country.

"We're riding a wave we never want to get off," the Trittons posted.

"And a big thank-you goes out to everyone who has helped us along the way. The support we've received has been unbelievable."

Shane and Lauren took a team of 12 over with them and have picked up another six horses since arriving in the US in late March.

Some of their others yet to be unveiled by Team Tritton include Yayas Hot Spot, Flaming Flutter, Ohoka Johnny, My Rona Gold and Katy Perry, who should all be going around soon.

Jordan Stratton has helped Shane and Lauren Tritton to two first up wins

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THE superstar of Victorian regionalization racing in the far north west corner of the State, Bernie Winkle is unfortunately taking an enforced break from the action.

Bernie Winkle (Rock N Roll Hanover-Dolly McD (Mach Three) recorded six consecutive victories on the Mildura circuit-but it was the authoritative manner he went about business that earnt him a cult following during lockdown racing.

The brown gelding, raced by Eric and Heather Anderson, was sent up the Calder Highway by Glenn Douglas, to his long-time mate Geoff Lucas.

From April 24 to June 5, Bernie Winkle thoroughly enjoyed his working holiday in the sunshine.

Shane Smith guided him to five wins and then stand-in reinsman Andrew Stenhouse (coincidentally both former Broken Hill horsemen), took the horse to a 1.56-4 last start win.

Stenhouse, who recently drove his first winner for 10 years, was cool as a cucumber and handled Bernie Winkle with aplomb for an impressive win.

Stewards noted after the race the gelding was lame in his off-side foreleg and stood him down until he gets a veterinary clearance, with the problem believed to be a hoof abscess.

A relieved Andrew Stenhouse got the job done like a pro on Bernie Winkle at Mildura

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THE marvel from Shepparton, nine-year-old pin-up boy San Carlo, is warming up for another campaign.

San Carlo (Mach Three-Bridge Player (Classic Garry) performed with plenty of zest in a recent trial and then wasn't all that far away in his first race start for nearly five months.

The tough warrior, trained by Stephen O'Donoghue and Bec Bartley, stepped out at a Shepparton meeting last Saturday night. The gelding finished fourth to Courageous Saint, owned by enthusiastic Swan Hill participant Noel Watson, in a handy 1.56-9 for 2190 metres.

San Carlo boasts a super-impressive 50 percent win to start strike-rate at the races. He's had 30 victories and 11 minor placings from 60 outings for over $571,000 in stakes.

Raced by John Eichhorn, the pacer performed in a tough NZ Inter Dominion campaign last November-December. He later won a fast class event at Mildura on January 24 prior to having a let-up.

San Carlo is sure to make his presence felt in feature races on the country circuit.

Terry Gange

NewsAlert PR Mildura