Zealous Spur shocks Oscar Bonavena

New Zealand bred but Queensland prepared harness racing gelding Zealous Spur (Pegasus Spur) caused a surprise when he outstayed highly fancied Oscar Bonavena in the Prydes Easifeed Trotting Feature at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

Showing sufficient speed from the pole Zealous Spur was able to hold the lead with driver Trista Dixon. Trainer Grant Dixon elected to drive stablemate Taylad To Use.

Oscar Bonavena was given the run of the race by Adam Sanderson who secured the perfect one out and one back trail. However the other local trotter Gus who was confidently supported due to his eye catching last start third at Albion Park was up to his old tricks and he galloped away at the dispatch to put himself out of the running.

New South Wales trotter Constantinople was able to have a perfect trail behind the leader.

Sanderson waited until the far turn to make his run and he looked to be cruising as he moved up alongside Zealous Spur. But Zealous Spur showed plenty of determination and he easily held off the challenge to win by just under two metres from Oscar Bonavena with Taylad to Use in third placing.

ZEALOUS SPUR REPLAY

Zealous Spur did his early racing in New Zealand but then joined Dixon’s stables in August 2022. He’s always been thereabouts but was never considered to be one of the State’s best trotters. Overall the black gelding has had 116 starts for 18 wins and 32 placings for just over $243,000 in stake money.

Whilst not highly regarded as one of the main prospects for the Inter Dominion he will give a good sight if he contests the series and is allowed to run along in front.

Oscar Bonavena was given every chance by Adam Sanderson and from an Inter Dominion perspective he should have won. However he’s too good to dismiss and should run better during the series. Gus ruined all chance when he tgalloped and he seems too risky to be a serious contender for the series.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink