Purdon plays his first ace

Harness racing trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon played their first ace on Grand Prix Day when We Walk By Faith (Bettor’s Delight) impressively won the $110,000 G1 Betavet Ace of Spades.

The gelding came out running from the gate before taking up a trail. Stablemate Major Hot (Art Major) came round to take up the role of pacemaker and he set up some slow sectionals. The race came down to a sprint home.

“I did the race plan and I thought he’d be too quick for the ones inside them. Nathan’s (Williamson) horse (Dreams Are Free) got out better than I anticipated but we crossed him early and got a nice trip after that. I was a bit worried whether I’d caught the leader, but he rallied well when he got to the passing lane,” Mark Purdon told Harness Racing Unhinged Nigel Armstrong post-race.

The winning margin was a length, with Major Hot running second from a late finishing Dreams Are Free which was a nose away in third.

The winning time was 2-27.1 – well outside the New Zealand record of 2-19.2 for two year old colts and geldings for 1980 metres which was set by Mister Smartee.

Dreams Are Free looked a shade unlucky. He was three back on the inside running line and had to be snagged wide to make his run, losing valuable momentum.

WE WALK WITH FAITH REPLAY

We Walk by Faith is owned by Mark and Denis Dunford. He was purchased in Australia by Nathan Purdon and was bought home when he returned to take up a training partnership with his father.

“This horse is up there with our better ones. Originally we were looking to give him a little bit of racing then move him on, but he’s really put his hand up. He’s got what it takes to be a real serious horse.”

The win was Mark Purdon’s 163^rd Group One winning drive.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink