Finally “In The Groove”

Twenty four start maiden trotter In The Groove, after running eleven seconds and four thirds, finally got what he deserved at Gore today – his first harness racing win.

In The Groove trots up on the inside for his first win

Owned by Penny and Kenny Baynes of Baynes Racing, the five year old led early for regular pilot Brent Barclay before handing up to Bacardi Pride. Once the two leaders straightened for the long run in, it took the length of the straight for In The Groove to get the better of Bacardi Pride but he eventually won by a head.

“He started off a bit on the weak side and then some of his seconds were against quite good horses. After eleven seconds we finally got there,” said trainer Brett Gray.

In The Groove is by Lucky Chucky out of Gee Whizz 11 mare It’s A Whiz. It’s A Whiz’s first foal Springbank Richard won twenty races including the 2009 Dominion Handicap, Three and Four Year Old Rubys, an Interdominion Heat and a Victorian Trotting Derby.

Today was In The Groove’s first run back since coming in seventh at Invercargill on the 12^{th of} January.

“He always goes good fresh and likes the grass, so we knew he was going to get round okay.”

On the back of his impeccable formline punters made the square gaiter the favourite and once he settled behind the pacemaker the confidence levels grew.

“He gets a bit keen at home and works like Tarzan (laughter).”

The Baynes can be sellers, but having held onto In The Groove both Penny and Kenny enjoyed the win from the Gore grandstand today.

“They’ve been patient. He’s been a great wee earner. When Peregrine (owned by Penny) won her third race In The Groove had won as much money, and hadn’t won a race. Because his manners are so good, I think he could win place money in the next grade.”

Back to the birdcage

Winning connections

Meanwhile Wyndham trainer Ricky Gutsell notched his first training double today when Still Rockin and Insarchatwist won. Both are by A Rocknroll Dance out of Insar. It’s a family that goes back to Locarno (18), Ostrava (10) and Agrinion (9).

It was a brilliant day for Team Teal with Sheree Tomlinson (The Jafa Express), Kirstin Barclay (Still Rockin), Sarah O’Reilly (Fast Whispering and Timzee), Sam Ottley (Lou’s Deal) and Kerryn Tomlinson (Domination’s Call) all contributing to the cause. Class on grass!!!

View the Gore results click here!

Bruce Stewart