Double for Black

Branxholme trainer Alister Black’s two winners at Ascot Park today will join New Zealand Cup aspirant Vintage Cheddar on the big harness racing stage at Addington in the next few weeks.

Talented trotter Dont Ask, won her third race for Black and owner Lindsay Thompson when she beat Winning Bones by a length and a quarter.

Dont Ask warming up for Brad Williamson

The three-year-old Father Patrick filly has always shown ability but has let punters down on the odd occasion by breaking. However Black says she’s improved.

“She’s come a long way this time in. She’s starting to get more settled,” he said.

Dont Ask leading Winning Bones with a lap to run

Striding out to win

Back to the birdcage

The win sealed a trip to Addington for Cup Week.

“She’ll race on Show Day. I think the trip away will help her too. She’s always had the ability, but her problem was in the head department but she’s starting to act a bit more sensibly now even in her work at home.”

Later in the programme the talents of Idealism were on show when the three-year-old led, was sternly challenged by Calypso Rock, and then had to hold out a late run by I’mallaboutthebase.

“He’s a pretty fair animal with a bit of bottom and I reckon he’s only at ninety per cent at the moment with ten per-cent improvement in him.”

Idealism pressured by Calypso Rock with a lap to run

Idealism (5) beating I’mallaboutthebase

Back to the birdcage

Black says it was a good positive drive by stable driver Brad Williamson who drove two other winners on the Tuapeka card today as well.

“When you’re driving a good horse, you have to give them the opportunity to win the race and that’s the thing I like about Brad. He drives positive and when he’s on a nice one he’ll put them into the race. A good solider always leads from the front.”

Black says Idealism will now target the South of the Waitaki on Show Day.

“I’ll take him to the Cup Trial and give him a nice wee quiet run and give him a look at Addington.”

The American Ideal gelding is owned by Craig Milne, his father Ian, Pete and Lorraine Carnie, Lyn Philp, Paul McEntyre, and Black’s wife Sheree and has now won three of his seven starts.

Winning owners and sponsors

“I think he’ll be a real nice Country Cups horse after Christmas.”

View the Tuapeka results click here!

by Bruce Stewart