She’s proving to be one out of the box

When longtime Victorian studmaster John Campbell and his wife Kay were asked to submit a name for an unraced harness racing mare they owned, it didn't take much time at all.

"I have to say that we had discussed it. Her dam had a bit of attitude and the mare herself had a lot of spirit despite being handled very well as a foal," Campbell, of Lockwood, near Bendigo, said.

"Added to that was the fact she was always likely to have some nervous energy being sired by Union Guy. So we thought Boxofchocolates was perfect because we didn't know what we were going to get!"

But that landscape has certainly changed now as Boxofchocolates (Union Guy-Hellenback (Albert Albert) has burst onto the racing scene in spectacular fashion to have an imposing record of six starts for six wins.

And Campbell who has bred hundreds and hundreds of horses over the years, is thoroughly enjoying the success.

"Kay only said the other day that this is the first time I've ever raced one in my name and I've been in the industry for many years," Campbell said.

Boxofchocolates, a five-year-old mare, trained near the Bendigo track by astute conditioner Kent Harpley, gave an example of what's to come with a powerful win at Melton on Friday in a time of 1.51-5 (last half in 54.9).

"She was an outstanding type of foal. She always free-leg paced in the paddock, and she would be leading the pack when they were running about," Campbell said.

"We handled her a lot and local horseman John McDermott broke her and another one in at the same time. John liked her and we later had her listed for sale, but nothing eventuated.

"Kent took her on and has done a great job. He's always had a reputation of being a good pre-trainer and breaker and in the early days she was definitely a handful. He kept telling me that she had a bit to learn.

"I remember she ran a very good half when he took her to the runarounds one night at Bendigo. She had a let-up and he got her back-and it didn't seem all that long until he said we'd better get her named so she could go to the trials and then the races."

John Campbell, owner-breeder of Boxofchocolates

Campbell said he'd been told by history buffs of the sport that Boxofchocolates may have landed a special achievement in winning a city class (MO in the old language) with the least amount of runs under her belt leading up to it.

"While it's been quite exciting for Kay and myself watching at home, it's been a little unusual that we are paying up and haven't been able to be there to watch her due to COVID restrictions. But we've at least been able to continue racing," he said.

Boxofchocolates was the only one of three foals from Hellenback to make it to the racetrack.

"She also missed getting in foal on three occasions and then sadly she died while foaling in late 2016," he said.

Campbell said while a let-up had been discussed, his pacer would now be aimed at a mare's event at Melton on Saturday week.

"We thought a four or five-week break may be ideal, but she is going so well at the moment-it's all very encouraging."

Terry Gange

NewsAlert PR Mildura