Spankem gets his first Queensland win

Queensland harness racing trainer Darren Weeks breathed a sigh of relief when star New Zealand import Spankem won at Albion Park tonight.

It has not been the preparation they planned for the son of Bettors Delight but that victory has certainly helped.

“It was very much needed,” said Weeks.

“It was good to get one on the board, especially after last week.”

Spankem made his debut for Weeks’ stable in The Flashing Red Discrectionary Handicap at Albion Park last Saturday night and never ended up going around after a sensation at the beginning of the standing start.

Weeks’ other pacer Lilac Flash was fractious at the start and swung sideways, contacting Spankem and dislodging driver Kylie Rasmussen.

“The horse was okay, luckily the clerk of the course got to him quickly but Kylie was a bit battered and bruised after it,” said Weeks.

“Spankem needed that run tonight after last week.

“We weren’t sure where he was at and now we have some idea and we are heading in the right direction.

“There is a lot of improvement.”

Spankem was driven by Rasmussen again tonight and from barrier seven, settled towards the back of the field before being parked outside the leader.

Heading into the home turn, Spankem hit the lead and fought off a late challenge from Cardlesfromheaven to win the 2138m event by a head in a mile rate of 1:56.1.

Watch the replay here.

“The plans all changed with Spankem after last week as he wasn’t meant to race tonight but he will most likely race next week in the Lucky Creed and then we will reassess,” said Weeks.

“We could go to the Redcliffe Cup but we are still 50/50 on that.”

The main races the Miracle Mile winner is being at are next month’s $100,000 Sunshine Sprint and the $250,000 The Blacks A Fake Queensland Championship on July 17 and July 24 respectively.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink