Well deserved win by One Change

At the Invercargill harness racing meeting at Ascot Park today, One Change (Bettor’s Delight) changed it up for the better.

“He really deserved that today because he’s tried hard for a long time and had to work through a lot of problems we’ve had with him.But he’s pretty good at the moment,” trainer Amber Hoffman said.

The eight year old last won in March 2023 and today’s win was his fourth for Hoffman and his first group success for the stable.

She says there have been moments when the talented pacer looked to be nearing the end of his career.

“About a year ago we thought we may have to pull the pin. We gave him a break and he got really sound and his feet came right. He’s like a spring chicken now.”

Going into today’s pacing feature sponsored by Macca Lodge, One Change held the highest stakes money with more than $700,000 in the bank. However in six starts he had not won at Ascot Park.

“Every time he’s had a standing start at Ascot Park he’s galloped away and he did that today.”

After bobbling away, driver Blair Orange took One Change to the front where the combination made all the rules. He won by two lengths with Nutcracker running second. The winning time was 3-24.2 with the last 800 cut out in a quick 55 seconds.

ONE CHANGE REPLAY

Hoffman has had the gelding for just over two years.

“Natalie (Rasmussen) thought the horse would be suited to a quieter lifestyle and a bit of pampering. He gets spoiled (laughter).”

The win was great timing for Mike Woodlock who is one of the horse’s original owners, but just yesterday took over sole ownership of the gelding.

This is the second time Orange has won the Northern Southland Cup. His other winner was Cup Day in 2007.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink