Marshall secures first Addington win with talented juvenile

Friday night (Oct. 21) was one to remember for young Cambridge trainer, Kyle Marshall, securing his first win at the home of New Zealand harness racing with his talented juvenile, Son Of Mac (American Ideal).

Backing up from a brilliant third a week earlier in the rich Harness Million 2YO C&G Final behind superstars Merlin (Art Major) and Don’t Stop Dreaming (Bettor’s Delight), Son Of Mac found himself well placed back in rating company for tonight’s assignment.

The rating 40-53 1980m mobile was right up his alley, and despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 12, the son of American Ideal appeared to be on everyone’s winning ticket in the last, starting at a red-hot quote of $1.40 on the tote.

Robbie Close weaved his magic at the start and quickly had the juvenile in a gorgeous position in the one out running line, and from there the pair were always travelling like a winner.

Son Of Mac peeled out at the 400m and was simply too good for his rivals, drawing clear for a comfortable 1 and 3/4 length victory to provide his trainer Marshall with a bucket list win at Addington Raceway.

“He’s traveled down well and it’s good to get a win while we are down here,” said Marshall.

“He found the line nicely; Goose got him in a perfect position early from a bad draw and it all panned out well. Goose was happy with the horse, how he settled in the warmup, how he traveled, he steered good and he’s turning into a nice racehorse,” he said.

Son Of Mac and Marshall are domiciled at the Woodend beach stable of Bob Butt for their Canterbury sojourn and have acclimated well to the South Island scenery and hospitality that has been afforded to them.

“Coming down here is awesome, I love it down here there are great people. Bob’s looking after us amazingly, and I’ve enjoyed meeting new people down here.

“They love the beach, and the trip away with the horses is great. If we come back with the horse later on, he’s been there done that now,” he said.

SON OF MAC REPLAY

Son Of Mac has qualified for the rich Sires Stakes Final on Cup Day and given he already has a placing at Listed level will not be out of place in the rich juvenile feature.

Everything about the horse however screams Derby tonight, particularly with how he has been finding the line and seems to be a type where the quicker they go, the better.

“Everything he is doing at this stage is a bonus for us, being an American ideal, his three- and four-year-old campaign is where he will be best suited. He has got ability and we just have to keep him happy and progressing forward,” said Marshall.

“We have a bunch group of owners, and we are all enjoying it. Hopefully they make it down Cup Week and have a beer together. It’s great to have a horse like this to come to the races with,” he said.

Tonight’s win to Son Of Mac’s record to two wins from just six career starts. He paced the 1980m journey in a fast 2:23.5 with sharp closing sectionals of 56.3 and 26.9. The last mile was run in 1:56.6.

For complete Addington Raceway results, click here.

by Brad Reid, for Harnesslink