Mr McLaren impresses in Open Class

Ultra consistent pacer Mr McLaren (Mach Three) scored one of his best harness racing wins when he finished strongly to take out the Divided Open Pace at Albion Park last night.

From the powerful Chantal Turpin stable, Mr McLaren showed great speed to lead with hot favourite Captain Chuckles who was caught outside the leader. However driver Pete McMullen then took a trail giving the lead to Captain Chuckles.

Captain Chuckles found the lead without too much trouble but the recent arrival Hot And Treacherous who was previously prepared by Jason Grimson moved up to race outside the leader and did apply some pressure to Captain Chuckles. 

Mr McLaren laid down the gauntlet on straightening and he dashed away with a winning lead which was sufficient to hold a fast finishing Tims a Trooper with O B Legal coming from well back to take third. Aroda who had returned from a previous unsuccessful trip to New Zealand was doing his best work to take fifth position just behind the tiring Captain Chuckles. 

Stewards reported that Hot and Treacherous had over raced thus causing him to drop back at the finish. 

Trainer Chantal Turpin stated:

“This guy has been so frustrating.

“He has an enormous amount of ability and at home works super but transferring that to raceday has been challenging to say the least.

 “Last start when Nathan drove him he choked off, but fingers crossed, we may have worked him out.

“That’s the first time he has won from the trail for us. He will stay home next week (Christmas Cup), and with his speed, he could potentially have buyers from the States looking at him.

The Christmas Cup to be staged next week should be a fascinating event with many of last nights runners likely to front up.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink