Plan works out for Gallagher

One of the most improved harness racing pacers racing in New South Wales is the KerryAnn Morris-trained Petes Said So (Well Said).

On Saturday night the Inter Dominion Gran Finalist brought up his first win for 2023 in style at Tabcorp Park Menangle when he was able to overpower long odds-on favourite Expensive Ego in the Australian Pacing Gold Pace for the fast-class horses.

The win also provided the seven-year-old with a personal-best time as he stopped the clock in a slick 1:49.3 for the mile trip.

Driven by talented young reinsman Josh Gallagher, Petes Said So arrived in the last stride to score by a head to record his 21st win, taking his career earnings to $284,226.

With regular stable driver Robbie Morris on the sidelines through suspension, it gave Gallagher the opportunity to take the reins behind the gelding and he drove him perfectly, taking a sit behind Expensive Ego after 200m before launching a challenge halfway down the lane.

“He was super for me on Saturday night,” said Gallagher.

“KerryAnn currently has the horse flying and it was only a matter of time before he showed he had the talent to beat horses of Expensive Ego’s calibre.

“The race went perfectly to plan.

“He has push button speed off the mobile and I was able to use it to my advantage, enabling us to lead early and then hand up to the favourite.

“From there it was just a matter of us gaining an out at the right time and being fast enough to peg back the margin.

“It was also very satisfying to get the win for the owner Pete Kohlsdorf.

“He is a great owner and supporter of Lucky Lodge.”

PETES SAID SO REPLAY

Team Morris will be looking to continue their good run of success at Penrith tonight in what is a rare Wednesday night fixture for the club due to the fact that Parkes is hosting its traditional Australia Day meeting.

Lucky Lodge will be looking to strike gold early on the eight-race program when Miss Daytona will be sent out as favourite in Race 2.

To be driven by Robbie Morris tonight, Miss Daytona will get every chance to bounce back to form after coming up with a handy gate three draw and taking a steep drop in grade from her recent Menangle outings.

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Court, for HRNSW