Salski’s gritty win

Consistent mare Salski (What The Hill) finally broke through in taking out a harness racing feature when she prevailed in a slogging finish to take out the $20000 Ecurie Vicbred 4YO Silver Trot at Melton last night.

Well supported towards the end of betting Salski was taken back to the rear of the field by driver James Herbertson who was content to trail the heavily backed favourite Grumpee who was one in front of her.

Driver Chris Alford on Grumpee made his run three wide along the back straight but Herbertson was right on his back with Salski as they set out to wear down the early leader Paris Jamilla who tried to kick on the final bend. Paris Jamilla looked as if she might hold on but towards the finish Salski lifted and she just grabbed the lead on the line with Grumpee only half a neck away third.

Salski had always shown promise from a two year old but last night’s win was her most important to date. She is out of the Sundon mare Donski who was a useful mare winning twice at Melton in her racing career. Donski was trained by Bendigo identity Gary Donaldson who also trains Salski. Gary continues a proud tradition for the Donaldson family. His father Matt was a noted trainer in his own right and was heavily involved with the Charlton Harness racing club.

Later on ace reinswoman Kerryn Manning showed bold initiative in steering filly Nipotina (Volstead) to an all the way win in the $20000 Classic Connection VicBred 2YO Silver Trot. Commencing safely from barrier 3 Manning guided Nipotina to the front and from then on she ran her rivals ragged.

However on the final bend she appeared to shortening stride and Boot Legging who had been forced to race outside the leader continued to fight on. Out wide the The Dark Thunder was also lengthening stride and he was quickly making up ground.

In a driving finish Manning threw everything at Nipotina and she held on to win by a head from The Dark Thunder with Boot Legging a close third.

Nipotina’s task was made easier when her main rival Ezra Kai broke in the score up and was tailed up thereafter. Trained by Kerryn’s father Peter Nipotina is now the winner of three races in her short career and she should improve further. She looks an ideal candidate for the Aldebaran Park

Redwood Classic to be run later next month at Maryborough where she has already won two races.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink