South Australian classics heat up

South Australia resumed their harness racing classics program with the running of the SA Sapling Stakes and Ladbrokes Derby at Gawler on Friday. 

The races were moved there after the initial programming for Globe Derby was interrupted due to the delays in the opening of Globe Derby after resurfacing works.

The Ladbrokes Derby drew together a classy field of local three year olds with each of the seven runners all considered some chance. As a spectacle the race did not disappoint seeing Tonkawaikon (Downbytheseaside) coming from last to take out an impressive win. 

The pace was on from the beginning with Star Man holding on to the lead from the pole position with favourite Fly The Banner caught outside the leader. Tonakawaikon had also shown great speed from barrier 3 but driver Michael Smith eased back from a wide position to the rear of the field.

Star Man set a reasonable clip in front with Wings On The Line behind the leader and the St Leger winner Tembie having the perfect one out and one back trail.

Fly The Banner started to put pressure on the leader in the leader in the final lap but Star Man who ran a second quarter of 28.7 drew clear on the final bend and looked to have his rivals at his measure. Meanwhile Tonkawaikon was making a sustained run out wide from the back and he continued to gain ground on straightening. Showing great class Tonkawaikon stormed past Star Man to score by 5 metres with Shezamajorstar coming in for third.

TONKAWAIKON REPLAY

Raced by David Heinjus and prepared by local trainer Ingrid Smith Tonkawaikon has won 6 of his 18 appearances and the gelding obviously likes the Gawler circuit notching up his third win at the track. His overall mile rate was 1.57.3 for the 2070 metres. 

Tonkawaikon will go in as the leading local contender for the $30,000 South Australian Pacing Derby at Globe Derby on 26 October but much will depend on whether any interstate runners will come over for the classic. Star Man who battled on well has to be considered.

The DF &E Kemp Sapling Stakes was taken out in fine style by form runner Always Dancing (Always B Miki) who well rated by Jayson Finnis to prevail over Machete Roulette and Shirley Not. It was a family affair with Jayson’s wife Alyce the winning trainer.

Despite making the long journey from Mount Gambier Always Dancing was a short priced favourite on the strength of his previous performances when he had won three of his last four starts. In particular his last win at Maryborough was particularly impressive where he came from the rear of the field to gather his rivals up. 

In a fast run race second favourite Machete Roulette held the lead from the pole but he was tested early on by Shirley Not who was only having her second race start. Shirley Not eventually took over with over a lap to travel but Dale Afford on Machete Roulette pulled out and had another crack outside the leader. The two continued to run at a brisk pace going a fast second quarter at 29.1.

Always Dancing was following the pack behind and it was obvious that he would be the main danger behind the tearaway leaders although Art Regal was also making a run out wide from the back.

However on straightening Always Dancing grabbed the lead and he strode away to score comfortably by 8 metres from Machete Roulette with Shirley Not an eye catching third. Shirley Not will be improved by that effort and she should win a race soon on that effort.

ALWAYS DANCING REPLAY

Thanks to the fast pace set by the leaders Always Dancing recorded a respectable mile rate of 1.56.9.

Should connections decide Always Dancing should be a strong prospect for the $25,000 Golden Nursery stakes at Globe Derby on 26 October and the $35,000 Southern Cross at the same track later in November. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink