Second win for Kiwi Crusher

Kiwi Crusher has always had ability but the string of outs early in this season indicate she doesn’t always bring her A game.

Today (Saturday) at Gore she was on her best behaviour and at start twenty three and second run for new trainer Graeme Anderson, she recorded her second win.

Anderson has had the four year old Sundon mare six weeks, after she’d spend time with Craig Laurenson and Brian Norman.

“She arrived in good order from Brian Normans. The straight line beach training has changed her attitude,” said stable representative Andrew Suddaby.

A return to form looked immanent after she ran third at Forbury in her previous start.

“She was probably one run short at her last start. Today she was pretty spot on and it was a winnable race. The pull down blinds made a difference today.”

From the unruly mark on the 35 metre handicap, driver Dexter Dunn settled the mare last of the bunch. With 800 metres to run he launched her three wide. She was shunted out four wide at the 600 but came five wide with her run turning in and trotting boldly down the middle of the track.

Kiwi Crusher appeared not to see Nottingham K Two coming up the inside, so Dunn had to drive her right out to win by half a length.

Dexter Dunn getting busy on Kiwi Crusher (14) – Photo Bruce Stewart.

“It’s definitely not her last win today but she may find the step up a bit tougher. That run today showed she’s definitely got another couple of wins in her at least,” said Suddaby.

Kiwi Crusher is out of the Son Of Afella mare Cushion. Cushion was out of Evasion which was by Lordship. Evasion left Arden Meadow which won nine races, and Arden’s Dream, one of the foundation mares for Arden Lodge in Tapanui.  

The win on Kiwi Crusher was one of three by Dexter Dunn. His other wins were on the Tony Stratford trained Little Rain and Betstars Blue Jean trained by Matt Saunders.

Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing