Howdy Mate’s strong burst to take out Nutrien two year old trotters.

Howdy Mate (Elite Stride) showed a touch of class when he came with a well timed sprint to win the $75,000 Nutrien Equine Two Year Old Trotters Final for colts and geldings.

Possessed of ability but not always showing his best particularly early in his career Howdy Mate was allowed to settle back by James Herbertson.

However the race was marred when a number of trotters galloped at various stages of the race and it was a matter of seeing who would be trotting for the entire journey that would determine the winner.

The roughie Aldebaran Tucker who had performed with credit at Menangle showed fast speed early to race to the front.

Warm favourite Hammer spoiled his chances when he galloped soon after the start.

The well supported Munny The Munster who was most impressive in his Heat win at Bendigo obtained a one out and one back trail. But then eventually he went to race outside the leader.

HOWDY MATE SEP 13 REPLAY

Munny The Munster issued a strong challenge on the final bend and Howdy Mate was forced to go wider. Aldebaran Tucker continued to box on in the home straight but ultimately it was Howdy Mate who sprinted home the best to defeat Munny The Munster with Aldebaran Tucker battling on for third.

Howdy Mate is raced by a trio of well known harness racing identities including media identity Brittany Graham, Nancy Takter and Michelle Anderson.

James Herbertson was relieved following the event.

“The little fella was on his best behaviour and handled everything as good as he could have. He got pretty wound up after the first false start.”

“To his credit he sort of come back down. We were able to make a good run at them at the 600 metres and he was too good at the end.”

“To a point I was confident of running down Munny The Munster, he’s still very green just doing things in the race like a baby does I was a bit worried about him getting to the front and then not knowing what to do.”

“To his credit he didn’t put them away but he did enough.”

“Mentally he’s not quite there yet. But the ability’s there I think he’s been a bit crook running into that heat. Tonight he was about 90 percent but there’s a bit more there when he’s 100 per cent. When it all comes together I’ll think they’ll have a bit of fun with him.”

Trainer Jess Tubbs added “It’s great to win any big race but with Herbie in the bike and to have that winner for Nancy, Brittany and Michelle it means a lot. After being gelded his manners are slowly improving. We started working him on the hill at home and that’s really helped him too. He seems to enjoy the routine at home.”

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink