Air Express flies away with $150,000 Breeders final

Ace trainer Grant Dixon won a double when he steered Air Express (Sweet Lou) to an all-the-way harness racing win In the $150,000 Group 1 New South Wales Breeders Challenge Final for three year old colts and geldings at Menangle Park.

Backing up from his previous success on Fate Awaits, Dixon showed great judgement in deciding to go for the lead with a fast and furious battle on the first corner.

Hot favourite War Dan Buddy was considered a near certainty following his outstanding semi final last week but he was beaten for early pace however driver Cameron Hart was able to secure a perfect trail one out and one back.

Air Express’s stablemate took the sit behind the leader and Ravishing Sloy who out wide was forced to race outside without any cover.

Dixon drove a master race by slowing the field down to a 29.8 second quarter to give Air Express a vital breather and War Dan Buddy issued a strong challenge on straightening. But to the surprise of many Air Express showed plenty of resilience in holding off War Dan Buddy with Iron Clad a close third.

Dixon said after the race “I am pleased how he has come along. I have a soft spot for him. We made some gear adjustments but it had a lot to do with his
immaturity. I thought he was good enough to win. And I wanted to go for it when he commenced so fast”.

Kevin and Kay Seymour were again in the owners winning circle following their prior success with Fate Awaits.

AIR EXPRESS REPLAY

War Dan Buddy lost no admirers finishing second and he is destined to take his place in better company as he matures. 

Similarly Ravishing Sloy wasn’t far away and given that he had a torrid run outside the leader his performance was full of merit. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink