Fitting result for Beckers

Free legged pacer Magnetic Beckers (Sportswriter) did the right thing when he won the Chris “Beckers” Beckley Memorial Mobile Pace at Ascot Park today.

The SBSR Southern Surge feature was named after Chris who passed away in 2002. He was the youngest son of Neville and Muriel Beckley who own Magnetic Beckers.

“He was a chef at the Lone Star in Queenstown. He passed away up there and normally we go to Queenstown on his anniversary. He was twenty three,” Neville said.

The race win was a good tonic for Muriel who’s has been on a long road to recovery after a back operation.

“The race win was fitting and brought a tear to our eyes.”

The win was the six year old’s eighth and his $24.50 win dividend surprised trainer Robin Swain.

“He’s gone good races without much luck and to be fair he’s always paid big money all the way through,” he said.

The gelding drew the outside of the front row and was taken back early by driver Hayden Douglas.

“I said to Hayden that he’d probably be best to go back at the start and then see what happens. He took a chance to get round them with a round to go and it was the right move.”

MAGNETIC BECKERS REPLAY

Swain says the secret to the horse’s recent success is taking his hopples off and racing him free legged.

“I think taking the hopples off has made a big difference. Early on he was one dimensional. He’s got a bit of high speed and we drove him that way but now he can put in races like he did today in that grade.”

Many punters shied away from backing the gelding after he broke at his last start with 100 metres to run.

“Kerryn (Tomlinson) drove him and he wouldn’t take the passing lane. She pulled his head around and gave him a flick, he got off balance and he galloped. That’s the first time he’s galloped in his life since the hopples have been off. Neville doesn’t sell them and he’s enjoying the ride. These races are the ideal grades for him. He can earn good money and still have a good racehorse.”

The gelding’s next start will be in the Southern Surge Final at Gore in a fortnight and if the horse qualifies, Swain is keen to venture north for the Harness 5000 series at Ashburton in December.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink