Faithful wins Group race at first attempt

Not many young harness racing trainers win a Group race at their first attempt with a horse that’s having its first start.

But that’s what Winton trainer Chelsea Faithful did with Ideal Crown (American Ideal) at the Northern Southland TC meeting at Ascot Park today.

“Having a first Group starter – it’s been nerve-wracking all week. To win is something you only dream of,” Faithful said.

In today’s $40,000 Group Three Caduceus Club of Southland/Alabar Fillies Classic, Bettor Belle and Princess Macandrew took turns at leading early, until Mama Crunch came around and with just over a lap to run took over the pacemaking role. This left Ideal Crown four back on the inside.

With 700 metres to run Ideal Crown’s driver Craig Ferguson decided to save ground by running up the inside. Inside the last 300 Ferguson made his run three wide, but Ideal Crown was too strong for Bettor Belle. She won by a head.

IDEAL CROWN REPLAY

“I didn’t think she’d end up four back on the fence. Craig picked the right path. He’s a good patient driver.”

Faithful bought Ideal Crown from Woodlands Stud after the filly was passed in at the Weanling Sales.

“Nobody wanted her. They all had their opportunity (laughter). She was put on The Woodlands Stud Facebook page. I enquired about her and they sent me a couple of photos. I thought that for $5,000 and being by American Ideal, you couldn’t really go wrong.”

The two year old filly is owned by a large group, including Chelsea’s grandfather Norm Cox and her mother Louise Cox.

“He (grandad) didn’t want a share and I pushed him, telling him that he’s probably not going to have another horse. It’s good for them to have a nice horse.”

She said getting the others involved wasn’t easy either.

“It did take a while. They’d all have to be glad they own a share in her now (laughter).”

Faithful has been very patient with Ideal Crown.

“When I broke her in she always gave me the impression she could get a bit hot and silly. I’ve taken her along quietly and I’ve never pulled the plugs. She always works in a hood at home, so I always knew there’d be a bit more there when asked for an effort.”

So what’s next?

“The plan was to turn her out and that could still happen. It’s enticing to go to that race at Winton ($70,000 G2 Entain Two Year Old Fillies Southern Pace) but we’ll just see how she comes through this. She’s a very intelligent wee thing and takes everything in her stride and nothing is ever an issue.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink