Da Vinci painting a pretty picture

Showing his customary good gate speed and leading all the way harness racing colt Da Vinci (Art Major) in the hands of trainer Craig Ferguson beat Carrera Rapido (Art Major) by a length and a quarter in the Brosnan Transport Limited Timaru Nursery Stakes at Timaru today (Nov. 19). 

The colt is owned and was bred by Paul (QSM) and Brendon Duffy of Wyndham. The two year old has won his last three starts.

Although understandably the overall time was slow today on the wet track 2-38.6) the last 800 metres was cut out in a very good 56.2.

“The gate speed was the key to the win, and he set his own terms after that. His half was pretty good on a bad track, so I was pleased with that. He just relaxes in front and does what he has to, but when you ask him to quicken up, he can dash home nicely,” Ferguson said.

DA VINCI REPLAY

Ferguson has always had a high opinion of Da Vinci and his current form vindicates the trainer’s view.

“I’ve always had a pretty big rap on this fella from day one. He probably went through a patch where he wasn’t doing things right and his form wasn’t looking too flash.”

The win confirmed his place in the $100,000 Ace of Spades on Grand Prix Day at Addington on Sunday 4th of December.

“Yeah, that was the aim to pick up enough money to get into that so we’re well and truly in that now.”

Meanwhile the Ferguson trained trotter Smokin Bandar (Monkey Bones) has been side-lined with a minor hock issue and was scratched from today’s feature trot at Timaru.

“It’s just come about through racing. He’s going to be a nice enough horse next year and I think he’ll improve again hopefully so he’s worth looking after.”

In the Tyre General Timaru Summer Cup, Allamericanlover (American Ideal) trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer showed mighty tenacity to take out the feature pacing race.

After sitting back driver Tim Williams took her forward to sit parked with a lap to run. She was there to be run down but only Jimmy Arma got close and she held on to win by half a length.

It was the mare’s ninth win and based on the toughness she showed today she looks to be in for a good summer.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart for Harnesslink