Rocker Band smokes them in 1:53.3

Driver Samantha Ottley didn't have a plan going into yesterdays AON Insurance Equine Stakes at the harness racing meeting at Winton  but the race panned out well when her drive Rocker Band won the mares feature in a Southland and race record time of 1-53.3. 
 
The four year old Rocknroll Hanover mare drew barrier eight with her main rival Lightning Mach driven by Dexter Dunn drawing outside of her. 
 
"She just cruised off the gate."

"To be honest I didn't have any plans on going forward."

"I was going to play it by ear because it was her first run back."

"But she just came (off the gate) so easy."

"I thought I was going to cross those horses easy as and I knew Dexter was going forward and that he was the one to trail so it all just fell into place." 

Dunn leaning back in the cart dictated terms and he took the field in a fast clip to the top of the straight when Ottley knew she was travelling well enough to be in with a chance. 
 
"Turning for home is the only time that she got a bit keen which is what you like."

"I looked across and Nigel (McGrath driving Lovetodream) was doing his best and Dexter had done a little bit and I was just hoping that nothing from behind was going to run over the top."
 
One surprise was the winning time. 
 
"She's got a beautiful gait but the time shocks me."
 
Ottley isn't long back from injury and with wins at Forbury Park and yesterday's win she's back on track for another good season.
 
"I've been doing all of the work for her at the moment out at Woodend Beach."

"Mark put me on her at the last few workouts and trials and he told Greg (owner Greg Brodie) that I'll have the drive here." 
 
Rocker Band is out of classy mare Mainland Banner which also left Return To Sender, the winner of race eleven. 

Bruce Stewart

Southland Harness Racing   –   Check site site