Hope paid off

Greg and Ben Hope never gave up hope that the training partnership’s star trotting filly Habibti Pat (Father Patrick) could win tonight’s $200,000 Group One Garrards New Zealand Trotting Derby.

Leading into tonight’s trotting feature, Habibti Pat’s formline wasn’t looking that flash, but she proved to be in the zone tonight despite some nervous moments.

“I just about lost her off the gate as she put a couple of steps in. Around the last bend, being three wide, she just didn’t handle it but I just nursed her round,” winning driver Blair Orange said.

After sitting back and watching the race unfold, rolling into the last 800 metres of the race Orange got her moving.

As the leader Tarragindi started to get tired, favourite Mean To Be took over. But Habibti Pat was able to sustain her massive run. When the field balanced up for the run home she outsprinted Meant To Be, winning by two and three quarter lengths.

HABIBTI PAT REPLAY

“What a lovely filly and a good training effort from Greg and Ben to get her back to the winners circle. She’s still only three and is lightly raced. She’s learning all the time and I’m learning all the time. It’s not often you come into those Derbies expecting to beat the boys.”

Habibti Pat is raced by Julie and Sasha Maghzal.

“Julie’s been a big part of my career. She’s a lovely, lovely lady. Win, lose or draw she’s always happy as long as the horse and driver are okay. She’s a real pleasure to drive for.”

Tonight’s win was the third time in as many years that fillies have won this race.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink