Im No Trouble leads all the way in Leeton Breeders Plate

A top class harness racing field lined up for this years $30,600 Southern Central Engineering Breeders Plate the last of our two year old classics for the season and it was Im No Trouble (Art Major) who was able to lead all the way to record his fourth win.

In an open betting race Neptunite who had previously won three on end was sent out favourite just ahead of Im In Trouble and the Victorian visitor Atua Magic. Crucially Im No Trouble was drawn in two while Neptunite was on his outside and Atua Magic was on the outside of the second row.

And it was Blake Jones on Im No Trouble who held the early lead leaving Neptunite to race outside the leader with King’s Fury behind the leader and Atua Magic back near the rear.  There was little that Bruce Harpley on Neptunite could do and Jones rated Im No Trouble to perfection. However Neptunite wasn’t to be denied and he drew closer near the final bend. Atua Magic had sustained a three wide run before dropping in Neptunite to issue a late challenge.

But Im No Trouble found plenty under pressure and he held on to defeat Neptunite by just on two metres with Atua Magic in third position.

IM NO TROUBLE DEC 26 REPLAY

Raced and trained by Canberra identity Michael Hawke, Im No Trouble is out of the former smart mare Perfect Trouble a winner of 13 races and a best time of 1.58.9. Perfect Trouble has been a gem at stud producing Im In Trouble (full brother to Im No Trouble) a winner of over $164,000 and going 1.52.6. She also produced for Hawke the winners Trouble in Heaven and Bound for Trouble.

Hawke has indicated that the Bathurst Gold Crown Series for three year olds will be his target next year.

Neptunite showed plenty of determination in holding for second after doing most of the work and hopefully he will return stronger as a three year old. Atua Magic who was placed earlier in the year in the Protostar at Albion Park also has the makings of a promising three year old.

The Leeton Breeders Plate (now sponsored by Southern Central Engineering) is one of the nation’s oldest two year old classics. It was first run in 1955 when won by Joe Raid going 2.15 for the eight furlongs journey. Originally the race was run in heats on Boxing Day with the final on New Years night but with the horses birthday changing to New Years Day the race is now run as a one off event on Boxing Day.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink