Champion three-year-old trotter back in work

Champion three-year-old trotter Plymouth Chubb (Majestic Son) is back in work at Peter Manning’s Great Western harness racing property.

A winner of 14 of his 15 career starts, Plymouth Chubb had surgery in January to repair a fracture in a hind pastern which was picked up during morning trackwork.

“He looks magnificent. I’d compare him to a show horse,” a delighted Manning said.

“The vet gave us the green light, so he started light jog work this week. He’s bulked up a bit which is great, and he’ll have a three-month prep and by then, all going well, he should nearly be ready to race,” he said.

Four screws were inserted into the bone at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice Equine Clinic. The horse then had his leg in a plaster cast and sling in the days after surgery.

The operation came just after Plymouth Chubb had shown his renowned fighting qualities to fend off a brave Courage Stride (Chris Lang) by a short half head in the Group One VicBred Super Series Final at Melton on New Year’s Eve.

PLYMOUTH CHUBB DEC 31 REPLAY

That was the gelding’s 14^th consecutive victory and his fourth Group One win in a season described as the greatest seen by a two-year-old.

Plymouth Chubb’s other Group One victories included the Redwood Classic, Home Grown Classic and Breeders’ Crown Final. He earnt over $223,000 in stakes.

While employing a “take it as it comes” approach, Manning said all the good races for his superstar were later this year.

“Probably the only good race we’ve missed is the NSW Trotters’ Derby. There hasn’t been a lot around for him. The leg looks really good so that’s the main thing,” Manning said.

Plymouth Chubb’s only raceday blemish was on debut when he broke and finished eighth.

Manning has a team of 10 horses in work including exciting two-year-old trotter Valerie Lane (Father Patrick) who has faced the starter of three occasions for three wins.

“She’s doing a great job. We’ve got a nice stable at the moment.  We’re really happy with Captain Foxtrot (Captaintreacherous) who’s a two-year-old pacer and he’s been really consistent in seven starts.

“He hasn’t won a race yet, but he’s earnt $16,000 with five placings and just went down narrowly again this week at Charlton. Another one Eva Mateo is also racing really well for us.

“Dublin Chubb (Lawman) a half-brother to Plymouth Chubb was recently sold to NSW and he should go okay up there because the mobile barrier races over the mile will suit him.”

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink