South Coast Arden’s FFA success

Former New Zealander South Coast Arden (Somebeachsomehere) followed up with a recent Bathurst success with a gritty harness racing win in the Club Menangle Nick Robin Free for All at Menangle Park last night.

The race was the last chance for the less fancied Inter Dominion hopefuls to make their final hit out before the heats commence next Friday night at Newcastle.

Having surrendered the lead to Arden’s Ace early on, driver Gavin Fitzpatrick made a lightning move with South Coast Arden to retake the lead which in hindsight proved to be the winning move.

Second favourite Star Major had no luck early and had no option but to race outside the leader.

Gawn, who only recently joined the Jason Grimson stables having previously been prepared by Emma Stewart in Victoria, had some support but was held to the back of the field by driver Jack Callaghan.

South Coast Arden was challenged by Star Major, who continued to plug away, and Arden’s Ace was looking for a run along the inside.  In a driving finish, South Coast Arden shifted out under pressure, but he had just enough in reserve to defeat Ardens Ace by a head with a very brave Star Major only a neck away third. Stewards issued a warning to South Coast Arden who has been scratched from the Inter Dominion.

SOUTH COAST ARDEN REPLAY

Star Major lost no admirers in his third placing and he could surprise during the Inter Dominion series if he draws a weaker heat. 

South Coast Arden has been with the Fitzpatrick stable for just over two years when previously he had a successful juvenile career in New Zealand. His mile rate of 1.52 shows that the gelding continues to race well in top company and, although he will miss the Inter Dominion, there will be other attractive feature races that he is sure to be prominent. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink