No joking with this fella

Rakauhauka harness racing trainer Clark Barron was unsure about which of his two inform runners was the better winning chance in the SBS Pace at Ascot Park today in Invercargill.

 

In one corner stood the the Panspacificflight gelding Southern Pursuit who had won his last three races in the manner of a horse headed to the best grades.

 

In the other corner stood the Grinfromeartoear gelding All Jokes Aside who had won three of his last four in just as impressive fashion as his stablemate.

 

Clark opted for All Jokes Aside on the driving front with Brent Barclay taking the drive behind Southern Pursuit.

 

Southern Pursuit jumped to an early lead from barrier five before Clark worked All Jokes Aside around the field and took over after 800 metres.

 

Not long after Statham and Nathan Williamson moved up to sit on All Jokes Aside wheel and the battle was on.

 

Head to head from the half mile, the two paced the final bend together and settled down to battle it out.

 

Statham looked to momentarily put his nose in front before All Jokes Aside nudged back in front and grabbed a narrow advantage he was never to relinquish.

 

Statham was equally game in holding second after sitting parked the whole way in his first start in 10 weeks while Southern Pursuit got home well late to run third after having trouble with his first experience of the passing lane which tricked him up a touch.

 

 

Clark was suitably impressed with his charge's performance.

 

“He got a good run through early but I had to use him a fair bit to get to the front.”

 

“I thought I was in a bit of trouble on the corner but he just won't lie down.”

 

“They can get up beside him but it is damn hard to get past,” Clark said.

 

Clark was a touch unsure as to where to from here with All Jokes Aside.

 

“I suppose we will have to see how he handles the standing starts now.”

 

“I think he will cope with them but we won't know until we line him up on raceday, “ Clark said.

 

Nathan Williamson was thrilled with the run of the second placed Statham.

 

“That was his first run since Cup day in November and his condition gave out late but he has gone super.”

 

“He will derive huge benefit from the run and he should be in for a big campaign this time in,” Nathan said.

 

All Jokes Aside is just another of the southern trained four year olds who are creating such a big impression this season and looks far from finished winning judging by today's effort.