Ainsworths snare trifecta in trotters handicap

Moyreisk’s Ainsworth family, regulars at most Swan Hill meetings, snared the trifecta at Tuesday’s interesting seven-race card when eight-year-old Danny Bouchea-Palkia mare Boutika defeated Night Whisperer and Singara Ted in the 2240m 2024 Trainer Of The Year Julie Douglas Trotters Handicap.

Trained by Barry Ainsworth for wife Katrina and driven by Kerryn Manning, Boutika stepped beautifully to lead from 10 metres, which was actually the front line as the lone front marker Querencia was scratched.

Eased to allow Night Whisperer (10m, also trained by Barry with Jordan Leedham in the sulky) to assume control, the stablemates settled one-two on the markers with Singara Ted (10m), who is trained and driven by son Ashley Ainsworth, following the pair.

The race was to change complexion racing for the bell when Jack Laugher eased Luvski (20m) away from four pegs to race exposed, with stablemate Salski (30m – five pegs) latching to her back before immediately being taken three wide to race in the open by James Herbertson. Salski was struggling a long way out as the three stablemates were left to fight out the finish, with Night Whisperer giving a sight at big odds.

Angling off his back halfway up the running, Boutika raced away to register a 7.8m margin over Night Whisperer, while Singara Ted made no impression on the pair 14.5m back but easily held third.

It was a quinella to Horsham’s Aaron Dunn in the Make Your Will @ Beck Legal Pace over 2240m, with smart five-year-old A Rocknroll Dance-The Waratah gelding Neatntidy a strong victor.

Driven by stable “apprentice” Ryan Backhouse, Neatntidy was eased off the gate from outside the front line to settle midfield before going forward to race outside the leader and heavily supported odds-on stablemate Ruff Nut (gate four).

Taking over shortly after, Neatntidy toyed with his rivals, accounting for Ruff Nut by 3.7m after being given every chance. Dieing Art, starting solo on the second line, was also well backed and finished third 1.1m away after going forward from the tail to race outside the pacemaker at the bell.

Dunn’s high-quality Art Major-Ark Monroe entire Dee Roe, who is raced in partnership with Helen Friend, was victorious in the fast class race of the night – the 65-or-better Beck Legal Will Power Pace over 1750m – with a brilliant mile rate of 1:52.9.

For complete race results, click here.

by Len Baker, for Harness Racing Victoria