Gray off to a perfect start

Ryal Bush harness racing trainer Brett Gray got the second part of the Southern season off to a perfect start at Wyndham today when he notched up an early double, with new recruit Cool Phelan (Pegasus Spur) getting the brace underway when she took out the Gore Workouts Trot.

The Pegasus Spur mare owned by Kenny and Jo Baynes trailed leader Terror Cove for most of the way. Driver Brent Barclay peeled Cool Phelan off the leader’s back and she let down nicely in the home straight to win by six and three quarters of a length.

COOL PHELAN REPLAY

“She’s difficult to steer and a bit of a thinker. We’re just trying to work her out – just like her owner (laughter), Gray said. Brent was pretty happy with her today and he thought she went pretty good at the workouts last Friday.”

The second win came in Race Four when The Mighty Mondo (He’s Watching) rewarded Gray’s patience, beating Dalness Arizona by a length and a half.

“I think his manners are slowly getting better. He throws his head around a bit when he’s behind the gate and over races but he’s getting better. We’ve been through a bit of gear on him but hopefully he’s turned a bit of a corner.”

The He’s Watching gelding is owned by Jimmy Gin of Oamaru and today’s win was his second.

“He’s a great guy and he’s stuck with the horse, it’s good to see him getting a bit of luck.”

THE MIGHTY MONDO REPLAY

Gray has had a bit of a cleanout with some of his older horses being moved on, and he’s excited about the number of young horses in the stable. The two wins today elevates him to the top of the Southland Trainers Premiership, one ahead of Kirstin Green and Nathan Williamson.

“We might be a bit slow getting going again but Peregrine and Joes Rock will be at the workouts in another month and they’re both looking good.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart for Southern Harness