Sundees smashes rivals

It was an emphatic statement made by star trotter Sundees Son when he dominated today’s (Friday) Gr.1 $270,000 Majestic Son Dominion at Addington.

The reigning Australian Pacing Gold Trotting Master sat without cover before racing away from his rivals in the 3200m stand start feature while establishing a new National record of 4:00.5.

The previous mark was held by Monbet at 4:00.7 when successful in 2016.

Prepared by Robert Dunn and handled by his son John, Sundees Son easily accounted for Majestic Man and Australian raider Tough Monarch in the opening leg of the 2020/21 APG Trotting Masters staged in Christchurch.

Sent off as the punters elect, Sundees Son stepped safely before taking up a handy position outside of Majestic Lavros who found the lead from Majestic Man with Heavyweight Hero following on the peg line.

The lead time was covered in 2:02.0.

Despite a big field of 15 runners, moves were at a minimum with Dunn controlling the speed from his parked position.

Majestic Lavros went through the opening half of the final mile in 29.9 and 29.8 seconds.

The first move in the race came from Matua Tana who angled three-wide before making a gallop not long after as the speed improved quickly.

Dunn called on Sundees Son and he quickly put away Majestic Lavros.

The third quarter was covered in 28.1 seconds.

As the field entered the home straight, Sundees Son sailed clear as Majestic Lavros broke under pressure while Majestic Man, Heavyweight Hero and Tough Monarch battled each other for the minor spoils.

At the line, Sundees Son scored by a widening margin of 3.75 lengths over Majestic Man while Tough Monarch edged past Heavyweight Hero to snatch third.

The final quarter was timed in 30.3 seconds.

And the winning mile rate was 2:00.9.

The Majestic Son – Stardon six-year-old has now claimed both major trotting features in his homeland following his victory in the Rowe Cup at Alexandra Park last year.

Since 2000, the likes of Lyell Creek, Take A Moment, Martina H, I Can Doosit, Stig, Master Lavros and Monbet have claimed both staying features.

The victory of Sundees Son provided the father/son combination their maiden victory in the country’s premier trotting event.

It was ninth time lucky for John following previous efforts with Ella Powell (5th in 2009), The Fat Controller (3rd in 2010), Kincaslough (3rd in 2014), Kinscaslough (6th in 2015), Harriet Of Mot (7th in 2016), Harriet Of Mot (7th in 2017), Woodstone (15th – last in 2018) and Valloria (Disqualified last year).

“It’s a team effort with this horse, there’s plenty that have played a role in this victory so it’s a massive thrill for all involved.” Driver John Dunn said.

Sundees Son is raced by Colin and Nancy Hair.

Chris Barsby