Harness racing three year old Ohoka Connor (Sunshine Beach) confirmed he’s a horse going places after impressively winning the $45,000 Group Two Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes at Ascot Park today (Apr. 23).
Driven by Tim Williams the giant pacer had to sit parked for most of the 2700 metre trip, with Wag Star (Sweet Lou) taking up the role as pacemaker.
As the field straightened up Williams asked Ohoka Connor to use some of his immense staying power and he came away to beat a game Wag Star by a length and a quarter with Captain Tom (Captaintreacherous) three quarters of a length back in third.
There was a massive fifteen and a half lengths back to the fourth horse.
OHOKA CONNOR REPLAY
“This is a race that’s been on my bucket list for a while. I’ve had a few drives in the race and after winning the Southern Oaks last year it was a race on the list,” Williams said.
The connections have stated that Ohoka Connor will be turned out for a spell and brought back for racing in the spring.
“He’s handled everything well. Full credit to the horse. Everything you throw at him he just takes in his stride.”
We can now look forward to the second half of the season with Ohoka Connor set to face the likes of Merlin (Art Major) and Don’t Stop Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight).
Raced by Stonewell Stud, unfortunately the horse’s connections couldn’t be on track today because fog at Christchurch disrupted their flight south and they had to return to Auckland.
For complete race results, click here.
by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink