Better Eclipse comes out of the shadow

After having no luck in some of Auckland’s biggest harness racing events this autumn, Better Eclipse (Betterthancheddar) trained by Jess Tubbs finally got his reward, taking out tonight’s $250,000 Group One Trillian Trust Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park.

After running fifth in The Race by Grins, fifth in the Taylor Mile, third in the Messenger and sixth in the Roy Purdon, the six year old was due for a change in luck.

“I joked a few times through the media that hopefully we’d saved the best until last and it’s turned out that way,” driver Greg Sugars said.

After a tardy start Better Eclipse settled at the tail of the field.

“The first lap didn’t seem too solid but it wasn’t really slow either. But they really quickened up through the middle so that gave the backmarkers a chance to get into the race.”

Just before turning in Mach Shard galloped in front of Better Eclipse.

“I was just coming off his back when he made a break, and I wasn’t sure what direction he was going to go so it could have really gone pear shaped for us.”

The winning margin was one and a quarter lengths with Self Assured running second and Republican Party two and a half lengths back in third.

BETTER ECLIPSE REPLAY

In his five start New Zealand campaign Better Eclipse has banked $189,075.

“Credit to everyone at home. Jess has just worked her guts out while I’ve been here. They’ve all done a super job.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink