Bargain buy scorching up the track for Scott

Happy-go-lucky Bendigo trainer Scott Rains is always on the lookout for a bargain buy—and his latest harness racing “cheapie” hasn’t put a foot wrong.

“I saw him advertised for sale and they didn’t want much for him. After watching a few race replays I really liked him and I reckon he’s going to be a nice horse for us,” Rains said.

Rains has raced five-year-old gelding Angus Indiana (Heston Blue Chip) on seven occasions for three wins at two placings—his latest victory at Melton last Thursday (Sept 28).

“He’s getting tougher with every start, and I’ve been chasing a bit of stakemoney by putting him in a few $10,000 races which are restricted to junior drivers only. Young Sean O’Sullivan drove the horse last start and got the job done,” he said.

“We get on well with the O’Sullivan family and Sean is a great little fella who drives to instructions. He’s getting more drives now with Glenn Bull putting him on, and he’s going out there with more confidence.”

O’Sullivan debuting in 2019/20 and is enjoying his best season with 10 wins and 27 placings. He has shown a liking for Melton having won there the previous week with Major Suspect (Art Major) for Danny Ferris.

Rains purchased Angus Indiana from well-known breeder/trainer Kelvin Winnell, of Spring Hill, near Orange in the central tablelands region of NSW.

“He’s a family horse. My mum Sharon is a part-owner along with my brother Sean and my partner Ebony. Sean has gallopers in WA and while he has always had shares in my horses, I’ve probably got four or five baby shares in some of his too,” he said.

“It’s a bit of fun and really a week doesn’t go by without either one of us sending a horse around somewhere.”

Rains has three horses in work at a property owned by David Van Ryn at Leichardt on the outskirts of Bendigo.

“We’ve been there for over 12 months now and we’re really enjoying it. David and his wife Kristy and their girls Hannah and Ella are awesome. The girls don’t mind giving me a hand to get ready for the races, which is much appreciated.

“We spent last weekend in Sydney for the NRL grand final. Dave is a great help if we want to go away, he’s always around. We had a great weekend and the grand final is an excellent day – it can be a big party, so you can’t go too hard too early!”

Rains said apart from Sean O’Sullivan winning on Angus Indiana, Michael Bellman had “sat on twice for two wins”.

“I couldn’t get into the doctor’s to get my medical certificate to renew my driver’s licence, so when we raced the horse at Melton the first time I noticed Mick was there. He’s driven previously for us—on some naughty ones so it was nice he got the win.

“Then a bit over a fortnight later we raced at Maryborough and Mick won again. I love driving – I’d actually prefer to be out on the track than in the grandstand because I’m a terrible spectator!

“I’ve since got my medical done and got my licence again.  But there’s no way I’ll be sacking our winning drivers. I’ll only take over if the others are unavailable!”

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink