Shoes off, we’re done; Marketplace ends season on a high

Marketplace, (Bettor’s Delight) one of the season’s best pacers across all ages, ended his season on a high tonight when he won his second Group One harness racing feature at Addington.

“He’s had a super season. He’s such a lovely horse and it was great to top it off like that. He’ll go to the paddock now and come back bigger and stronger as a three year old,”driver Craig Ferguson said.

Trained by Regan Todd, the three year old won tonight’s Group One $100,000 Betavet Ace Of Spades by heading to the lead and as expected he was never run down and won by a length and a quarter from Demon Blue.

The winning time was 2-25.8.

“He felt super tonight. He only does what he has to out in front but he’s always been like that. Every time I ask him for a bit he gives it to me. When he got to the 400 he really wanted to rip into it.”

MARKETPLACE REPLAY

The curtain comes down tonight on a two year old who’s star has shone above all others.

“I can’t wait to get him in the paddock. It’s been a pretty stressful week. You feel the pressure because you want him to go out on a good note as the top dog and he’s done that. His work on Wednesday was the best he’s worked and I’m really looking forward to his three year old year,” Todd said.

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

“I’ve had the pleasure of having a share in him and training for some young people,” Todd said.

A full sister to Marketplace will be offered by her owners Gordon McKenzie, George and Maryanne Simon, Tony Barron, Tony Clark and Michelle Scanlon at the upcoming NZB Standardbred Sales in Christchurch.

“She’s a cracking type,” Barron told me.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink