American Ideal filly in brilliant display

The PGG Wrightson 3 year old Pace at Ascot Park Invercargill today only drew a field of nine second season pacers but it was choke of harness racing talent.

 

Every runner had won in their short careers and several had looked as they wouldn't be out of place in listed or group action.

 

Warm public elect American Tart had drawn beautifully at barrier one for the 2200 metres event and driver John Dunn wasted no time in shooting the filly to a clear lead.

 

John allowed the filly to bowl along at a really good clip throughout the race and it was obvious a long way out that she had them all in trouble.

 

John gave her head as they turned in and she ran away and hid, coasting down to the line 2 ¾ lengths to the good of a game Ultimate Desire with Scarlett Falcon battling on well for third after trailing American Tart the whole way.

 

 

John Dunn couldn't hide his delight when talking to Harnesslink post race.

 

“That is only her fifth time off the place in her life and to do that to a smart field like the one today is a great effort.”

 

“We qualified her first up at two and then turned her out and she only had a couple of trials before winning at Marlborough last weekend.”

 

“To travel all the way down here and not miss a beat is a big plus going forward.”

 

“She hasn't left an oat with all the travelling,” John said.

 

Plans for the big free going filly are firming up short term but the longer term is still less clear.

 

“She is eligible for the Futurity but needed to have a couple of starts down here to remain eligible so that was part of the reason for her being here today.”

 

“She is just such a laid back big filly and has a great attitude.”

 

“I think she will measure up to the very best fillies later on but we won't rush her at this stage, “ John said.

 

It is not very often that the three year fillies break 2:40 for 2200 metres and to do so at just your second lifetime start and with plenty in reserve stamps American Tart as a filly of the highest class.