Elvis hits number one

The fact that Wyndham trainers Gordon and Colin Lee are renowned for preparing their horses to win on debut, was no more evident than at the Winton Harness Racing meeting today when first starter Always B Elvis (Always B Miki) won for the brothers.

In today’s race driver Brent Barclay eased the three year old off the gate and progressed to the top. At the end of the 1609 metre trip Always B Elvis had a length and a half to spare on Dallas Dale.

The winning time was 1-57.9 with the last 800 run in 58.3.

ALWAYS B ELVIS REPLAY

The gelding went into today’s race without any recent trials or workouts, but the Wyndham drums were beating and the giant gelding was installed favourite.

“He’s got a couple of leg issues so that’s why we haven’t had him out, just trying to save him up for the races. If we can keep doing that we’re probably on the right track. Being a big horse he’s got one spreader on so we’ll probably stay away from the smaller tracks. With the leg issues we’ll probably stay away from the grass as well, so we haven’t got too many options.”

Lee said swelling in the tendon means Always B Elvis is in the Wyndham pool all the time.

“He’s not lame or anything. We just need to nurse him along. If we can keep him right he’ll win a couple or more races there’s no doubt about that. Colin and David Gregory are doing most of the work with him at home.”

Always B Elvis is out of the Bettor’s Delight mare Tupelo Mississippi, a daughter of the great Tupelo Rose which won thirty five races and $1.1 million.

Gordon bought the horse for $40,000 as a yearling at the NZB Standardbred Christchurch yearling sales.

“I liked him at the sales and the guys that bred him wanted a bit more for him, so they stayed in him for a quarter share.”

Gordon and his wife Betty have a share in the gelding as does former jockey Max Skelton who won 344 races in the saddle and is the brother of Bob, and Bill and Errol Skelton.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink