He can be a tricky horse to follow but Love On The Rocks beat horses today at Ascot Park that carried higher harness racing assessments, he showed he’s a genuine Country Cups horse.
Love On The Rock and Mark Hurrell winning the Autumn Cup
Driven by birthday boy Mark Hurrell the Terror To Love gelding began well and quickly slotted into the outside running line. When Hurrell asked Love On The Rocks to make his run he was carted four wide. But when he balanced for the run to the finish line he let down with a powerful sprint, holding his ground to beat Idealism with Tairlaw Toll running third.
“When he turns up, he races well. When the pace is on and he’s tucked away he has such a good finish and he’s raced super from the standing start,” said trainer Kirstin Barclay.
Love On The Rocks started second win favourite in what was an even field.
“His work during the week was good but you can’t go into these races confident because it was such an even field. Generally when he’s wound up he goes better but he’s always wound up. It’s a fine line.”
Back to the birdcage
Barclay had two other runners in the Country Cups feature with Chuckles finishing tenth and Paddyproudfoot who was having his first start since November running an encouraging fourth just three lengths from the winner.
“I was thrilled. He began well of thirty metres. Fitness got him. He was a wee bit flat footed round the bend. Provided he comes through today’s race we’ll get another win out of him soon.”
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