Notanotha Naughty holds on in Redwood Classic

The form horse of the moment Notanotha Naughty (What The Hill) showed great courage in his dramatic harness racing win in the Group 1 $60,000 Redwood Classic for two year old trotters at Maryborough on Sunday afternoon.

A solid favourite on the basis of his near impeccable record Notanotha Naughty was away safely settling in fourth position.

Northern Truscott showed dazzling early speed to run along in the lead with Unclad behind the leader and Zoolu three back on the rails. The well supported The Preacher broke up at the start and was a fair way back in the field.

Eventually Jason Lee came off the fence to race outside Northern Truscott. Aldebaran Ada was able secure the one out and one back trail.

However at the business end of the race towards the 400 metre mark, Notanotha Naughty started to apply the pressure and he quickly burnt off Northern Truscott but was a sitting duck for those behind him. Unclad became clear off the rails and set out after Notanotha Naughty as did Aldebaran Ada. But he continued to withstand the pressure and he likely to hold off for a comfortable victory.

But it was The Preacher who had been four back on the rails whose driver James Herbertson was able to weave through the pack making a late dive and in a thrilling finish he just failed to catch Notanotha Naughty with Unclad a close third.

NOTANOTHA NAUGHTY NOV 2 REPLAY

Raced by Hugh Cathals of Pearcedale who bred the gelding, Notanotha Naughty is royally bred being by star trotting sire Watt The Hill from the noted American speedster Naughty.

Naughty won over a quarter of a million dollars in the United States with an impressive mile rate best of 1.54. Cathals after bringing her to Australia raced her twice before injury interrupted her career.

Having proved himself to be the best two year old trotter racing in the State Notanotha Naughty will prove hard to beat in the Vicbred Super Series and Breeders Crown to be staged at Melton later in November and December.

The win capped off an incredible run for driver Jason Lee who earlier was successful on Jilliby Dreamlover (Love You), Jilliby Ballerini (Majestic Son) and Keayang Lovita (Volstead). Four winners on Redwood day is certainly no mean feat and Jason and his family have worked hard to achieve well deserved success.

If there was an unlucky runner in the Redwood it would have to have been the runner up The Preacher. He galloped and was four back on the rails but when James Herbertson worked his way through the field he finished so quickly he might have won in another stride.

He will have his chance to make amends in the Super Series and Breeders Crown.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink