Honest Tims A Trooper upsets Wisper A Secret

Evergreen pacer Tims A Trooper (TinTin In America) caused an upset when he finished too strongly to upset his more fancied harness racing rivals in the Open Pace at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

A small but select field of six runners showcased some of the leading local pacers currently racing.

In an intriguing betting race, the speedy Wispa A Secret was installed as favourite but there was strong support for Frankie Ferocious who seems to found his old form in recent starts and Hot and Treacherous.

The key question was whether Wispa A Secret could take up the running. Frankie Ferocious showed early speed but Pete McMullen on Wispa A Secret seemed determined to press on and he was able to lead without too much effort. Frankie Ferocious sat on the leader’s back while Tims A Trooper from his wide draw eased back to last.

As the race progressed Grant Dixon on Tims A Trooper moved up to a one out and one back trail. Wisper A Secret had a relatively easy run in front running his first quarter in a leisurely 30.9 seconds. McMullen on Wisper A Secret increased the tempo with third quarter of 27.1 seconds while Frankie Ferocious was looking to make one final sprint. Meanwhile Tims A Trooper didn’t seem to be travelling that well with Dixon hunting him up.

But he got into stride at the top of the straight and to the surprise of most on course got the better of Wispa A Secret by half a neck with the old stager Turn It Up coming in third.

TIMS A TROOPER SEP 27 REPLAY

Tims A Trooper has been a wonderful performer for Dixon and his owner Kevin Seymour. He’s remembered as the yearling purchased in conjunction with his illustrious stable mate Leap To Fame. Although he wasn’t in the same class as Leap To Fame nonetheless he has achieved success in his own right.

As a two year old Tims A Trooper won the Group 1 New South Wales Breeders Challenge and then as a three year old took out a Heat of the New South Wales Derby and the APG Gold Bullion Three year old final at Albion Park.

The gelding has won 17 of his 96 starts and just under half a million dollars in stake money. And he has plenty of life left in him yet in open company.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink