How tough Marketplace!

Rising harness racing star Marketplace (Bettor’s Delight) proved he was the complete package with speed and a strong vein of courage, as he took out the Listed $200,000 NZB Standardbred Harness Million Two Year Old Colts and Geldings Mobile at Addington last night.

Driver Craig Ferguson pushed the gelding out early but  was caught wide before he took Marketplace to the front with a lap to run.

However there was no time to rest as Bettors Anvil then Got The Chocolates, came round to keep the pressure on with Got The Chocolates serious about getting to the front.

“He just felt so good (Marketplace) down the back I thought I’d stay in front. He was travelling so good and we found out tonight how tough he is,” Ferguson told FNL.

In most of his wins Marketplace has come from the back but last night’s race pattern was different.

“Nothing went to script. We’ve never driven him like that before. Blair (Blair Orange driving Rubira) got a run through from the second row and I thought it might be tough after that but this guy to his credit went to another level.”

At the end of a very testing 1980 metres Marketplace came away to beat Rubira by a length and three quarters with a game Got The Chocolates a neck back in third. The winning time was 2-22.4.

“That was unbelievable, that run.”

MARKETPLACE REPLAY

It was a perfect result for Ferguson and Todd, two Southland horsemen that grew up in Wyndham and work together at Brendon McLellan’s stable.

“He’s been so good to me and to put me on this guy I can’t thank him enough,” said Ferguson.

Marketplace is owned by Glenys and Phil Kennard, Peter Baken, Graeme Beirne from Small Car World, John Magness and Todd.

“I think we are going to have a lot of fun with his guy and I’m so grateful.”

The Kennards and Baken tasted success earlier in the night when Bet N Win won the Canterbury Park Trotting Cup.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink