Smart qualifier at Addington trials

The harness racing trials at Addington Raceway today unearthed a few more promising types but the one that really took our eye amongst the qualifiers was the three year old, Bet On A Rascal.

A son of champion sire Bettor's Delight, Bet On A Rascal flew the tapes in the 2000 metres standing start qualifier and preceded to set a very solid tempo which had him clear of the field most of the way.

Passing the 800 metres mark, trainer/driver Kevin Chapman upped the ante and he quickly put daylight between himself and the rest and Kevin's main concern from there was keeping the very green youngster's mind on the job.

In the very blustery conditions, Bet Of A Rascal paced the 2000 metres in 2:35.2 which is four seconds inside the required time with closing sectionals of 59.1 and 30.7 as he coasted home 10 lengths clear.

A half brother to such smart types as Skippy Rascal 1:54.8 ($87,719), Twilight Rascal 1:55.4 ($66,444) and Fiery Rascal 1:59 ($61,044), Bet On A Rascal seems to have inherited all the family ability.

Kevin Chapman was impressed by today's effort.

" He has only had a couple of soft workouts and a trial in the slush at Rangiora last week before today and hasn't woken up to the racing game yet."

" He is quite a nervy horse at home around the stables but once he gets out there on trial day so far he has been really settled and sensible."

" He is a beautifully gaited horse, typical of the Bettor's Delight's and with a bit more time and experience, he will do a good job," Kevin said. 

It was a well timed performance today by Bet On A Rascal as Kevin and Barbara Chapman have a Rocknroll Hanover filly named Rock Me Gently from Bet On A Rascal's half sister Twilight Rascal 1:55.4 ($66,444) for sale at Christchurch on the second day of this years New Zealand Premier Yearling Sale.

Kevin's stable star, the brilliant Lochaburn went around later in the day for an effortless win but  is having trouble finding a suitable race at present.

" Some people think I should have him over in Australia on the Grand Circuit but after 14 months out with injury he hasn't got the racing miles under his belt  to be there at this point."

"He is too good a horse to take any chances with," Kevin said.

Harnesslink Media