Remarkable partnership rolls on

The remarkable partnership between southerners Katrina and John Price and northern harness racing trainer Barry Purdon and success with two year old fillies continued at Alexandra Park last night (Sep. 1) with Advance Party (Bettor’s Delight) winning on debut.

Purdon also trained Advance Party’s mother Democrat Party and Pearl Harbour. Both were owned by the Prices and they both had their first wins at the Park as two year olds.

Democrat Party later went on to win the Group Two Delightful Lady Ladyship Stakes for the partnership.  She was driven for most of her career by Zachary Butcher who also drove Advance Party last night.

Advance Party’s time for the 1700 metre mobile of 2:00.4 was a new New Zealand record. The previous record of 2:01.2 was held by Kayla Marie.

“It didn’t feel like we were going that quick. It’s been a while since I have jumped on a young horse that’s gone out and won fresh up like that. I wasn’t completely surprised but I thought the two horses of Steve Telfer’s had race experience and fitness on their side so I’m pretty thrilled with that,” Butcher said.

After leading out, Advance Party sat three back on the inside running line and looked to be in trouble halfway down the straight.

“I thought the parked horse was going to stop. I was tickling her up at that point trying to get her going. I thought I’d better pull her out and give her a chance and as soon as she got fresh air she was off (laughter). It caught me by surprise. I’ll know next time.”

ADVANCE PARTY REPLAY

Butcher is unsure of future plans for Advance Party but said there are plenty of good races coming up for her.

As a broodmare Democrat Party is doing a great job having left Debutante Party (4) and Republican Party (7).

Southerners Ben and Karen Calder also tasted success at Alexandra Park last night when the classy Old Town Road (Bettor’s Delight), also driven by Butcher, continued on his winning way.

The four year old has won seven of his ten starts and according to Zachary has a big future.

“It was a good effort for a horse that’s come from a maiden and is racing that grade of horse. I think the long term goal is to get to Cup Day. He’s taking it all in his stride and keeps putting the right foot forward. The thing I’ve noticed about him is that he’s toughened up in this grade. In the lower grades you can win on raw ability,” Butcher said.

He says trainer John Dickie is nominating Old Town Road for the New Zealand Cup in November and the longer distance of the Cup should suit the horse.

“He seems to get into his work a lot better over the longer distances. He is getting stronger but if he’s going to race against Copy That and Self Assured, he’s going to have to take that next step up. The win last night was pretty easy. He was pricking his ears at the line and there was plenty left in the tank that’s for sure.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart