Bet N Win too good

Kiwi trotter Bet N Win (What The Hill) made a big statement when he won his Australian harness racing debut at Albion Park last night.

“It was the perfect start to the trip,” said David White who trains the gelding in partnership with his wife Stacey.

In the Listed The Stellar Square, driver Bob Butt got Bet N Win off the arm well, briefing sitting in the one one behind Hide And Seek. Head Em Up which led, rolled into a gallop and Hide And Seek did the same, leaving Rockinwithattitude in front and Bet N Win parked.

“That was probably the most anxious part of it. He did well to keep trotting there because he got a bit of a check.”

As the field trotted into the final bend it was clear that the finish was going to be fought out between the two favourites Rockinwithattitude and Bet N Win.

Bet N Win proved far too good and won by 2.5 metres. The winning time for the 2138 metres was 2-34.5– a mile rate of 1-56.3.

BET N WIN REPLAY

“I think they said it was only 0.1 outside the track record. Everything fell into place with the way the race was run and he looked to do it comfortably on the line. Bob was over the moon. He said it was the best the horse has felt and to be able to wear that mare down the way he did was impressive because she’s a top class mare.”

The four year old now holds favouritism for this Saturday’s Group One $150,000 The Great Square for three and four year old trotters.

“He seems bright this morning and he ate well last night so all the signs are good going forward to next week.”

One of Bet N Wins main rivals on Saturday is London To A Brick (Bettor’s Delight). He was also in a winning vein last night at Menangle, beating Shes Ruby Roo (Creatine).

“We made sure we watched him. He won very impressively as well. Shes Ruby Roo is coming up as well so the race next week is going to have a lot more depth to it. It’s going to be tougher but I think we’re in a good spot.”

The Group One $100,000 Queensland Trotters Cup also at Albion Park at the end of the month  remains on the radar too.

It was a great night for the Butt family with Pandaia (Downbytheseaside) owned by Bob’s parents David and Catherine and grandparents Robin and Jackie Butt, upsetting in the Somerset Farms Queen Of Hearts.

Trained and driven by Rickie Alchin, the four year old which was formerly trained by Bob, held on to beat Tay Tay by half a head. It was the mare’s second win in Australia.

Gus (Majestic Son) showed his liking for Albion Park, winning the G3 Somerset Farms Darrell Alexander Trotting Championship.

Bred by Southland horseman Nathan Williamson, the win was the six year old’s biggest pay day in his twenty seven start career. Trained by Chantel Turpin, all of Gus’s eleven wins have been at Albion Park.

For complete race results,click here

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink