Bet N Win seals Dominion start

Bet N Win (What The Hill) trained by David and Stacey White proved tonight that he’s a genuine open class trotter, winning the Group Three $40,000 Dancinginthedark M (USA) Canterbury Park Cup at harness racing headquarters Addington.

After stepping well from the 10 metre mark driver Bob Butt took the four year old straight to the top and from there dictated the tempo and the sectionals to beat a late charging Mystic Max by one and a half lengths.

BET N WIN REPLAY

“He likes setting his own terms. He’s a tough bugger and has got speed too so he’s got the all-round game. We always knew he’d make this grade, but you don’t know until you go against them. He’s such a pro and that’s a massive help,” Butt told Friday Night Lights.

The win secures Bet N Win a spot in next month’s Renwick Farms Dominion Handicap.

 “It’s nice to have that guarantee that we’re in the field. We can really nail down our plans and not have to worry about forcing our way in. It’s the first time he’s had the plugs pulled at the races and Bob said he actually pulled up and waited for the others. That’s part of learning,” David White said.

It was a superb training effort by the Whites who have not only had to nurse Bet N Win through a foot injury that curtailed his Australia campaign, but had to get him ready for tonight’s 2600 metre test with only one trial.

“Whitie and Stace have done an unreal job of getting him fit. I think the trip to Aussie, although it didn’t go to plan, made the horse and he’s come back a lot stronger,” Butt said.

White said it was the perfect way to start the horse’s latest campaign.

“He did blow up over the back so I think there’s still quite a bit of improvement in him. But that’s okay because we’re still a month away from the grand final. What he’s done so far probably isn’t sinking in. In a couple of years when we’re looking for another one like him, we’ll fully realise how good a horse he is.”

Offered by Breckon Farm at the 2021 NZB Standardbred Auckland Sale, the Whites purchased Bet N Win for $32,500.

“He was quite a big horse but quite athletic with it. I loved What The Hill when I saw him at the Woodlands Stud open day the previous year, so I was looking for one by him. He was correct and I couldn’t fault him. We took a bit of a risk and managed to syndicate him,” David said.

This was the gelding’s eighth win in just fifteen starts and the ownership group includes the Breckon Racing Syndicate.

“That’s why you go to the yearling sales, to get owners excited. To have them enjoying the ride is fantastic. It was extra special for Ken and Karen (Breckon) having bred, sold and retained a share in him,” White said.

The Breckons also raced the 2012 winner I Can Doosit.

Bet N Win will have one more start before the Renwick Farms Dominion Handicap in the Ashburton Trotters Sprint at Ashburton on Labour Day.

“He can have a good strong hit out there and that’ll tighten him up for the Dominion.

The win also adds to the great legacy the Butt family has with this race with Bob’s father David winning it with Call Me Now in 1994, Above The Stars 1995, Stig 2008, Doctor Hook 2010 and Habibti in 2014. David father Robin won the Canterbury Park Trotting Park Cup in 1972 driving Tony Bear while Robin’s father Wes had success in 1966 with Johnny Gee.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink