Stacey on the money with mum’s mare

Stacey Towers always had a hunch that a pacer prepared by her mother would be ideally suited to the Victorian harness racing scene.

“I’ve actually been trying to convince mum for ages to send her down,” Towers, who trains near Shepparton with her husband Mark Lee, said.

And five-year-old mare Presidentslastlady (Auckland Reactor-Lady President (Presidential Ball) hasn’t put a foot wrong and has certainly vindicated Towers’ opinion.

Since coming down from Kemps Creek, 40 kms west of the Sydney CBD, the pacer has faced the starter on seven occasions for two wins, three placings and a solid fourth.

“She ran down the track at Bendigo one night when she finished 8th, but apart from that, her form has been fantastic,” Towers said.

Presidentslastlady scored her second victory at her home track last Wednesday night. After being beaten for early speed from the pole, the mare settled three back on the pegs. Watch the replay here.

“I popped out into the death-seat after we’d gone about half a lap because she’s shown us that she is capable of doing it tough,” Towers said.

“My mum Kerry (known as Annette to everyone) and dad Jeff were racing her at Menangle a fair bit. She would show no gate speed but was then always doing her best work late.

“I actually only got the horse when my brother Andrew copped a driving suspension. Mum decided to jump in the car and bring her down-it was early in May when the borders were all open.”

Towers said she thought the ratings system in Victoria would suit Presidentslastlady a bit better.

“I’ve been trying to pick out the best races for her and I think with her low rating of 47 at the moment, we can keep her consistent form going for a little longer,” she said.

“She’s quite a big mare so goes best on the bigger tracks. We plan to race at Echuca next start, but she should be okay there.

“My parents always race between eight and 10 horses. They really enjoy it. Mum comes from the Forrest family, who have been in horses for a very long time.”

Since being based in Victoria, Presidentslastlady has won over $11,000 in stakes.

“Mum, dad and Andrew own the horse and they’re pretty happy about it – but for me it’s a love job,” Towers laughed.

By Terry Gange for Harnesslink