Twelve hour drive worthwhile

Southland harness racing reinsman Craig Ferguson left Southland this morning for just one drive at Ashburton today (Jun. 2) and his win with the Regan Todd trained Marketplace (Bettor’s Delight) in the $60,000 Group Two Rakaia Seed Cleaning Sapling Stakes made the long trip worthwhile.

Marketplace made the most of his inside draw before handing up to hot favourite Got The Chocolates. Malaki then took over, leaving Marketplace three back on the fence.

“You’re always a bit worried when you’re three back on the fence because you’d sooner be in the trail,” Ferguson said.

Once the field straightened for the run home Ferguson came up the passing lane and nabbed Got The Chocolates, winning by three quarters of a length.

“Ashburton’s got a nice big passing lane and I know how quick this horse is. He’s got a great turn of foot and I thought as long as he got a bit of clear air he had a good chance of picking them up.”

The winning time of 1-59.6 is a new race record with the last 800 metres run in 58.5 and 400 in 26.6.

MARKETPLACE REPLAY

Marketplace, a $100,000 purchase at the 2023 NZB Standardbred Christchurch Sales, is part owned by Phil and Glenys Kennard who’ve now won four Sapling Stakes. Their other winners were Isaiah, Follow The Stars and Pacing Major.

In recent years Ferguson has driven a few winners for Todd, including Treacherous Gall in the Group Two Southern Oaks. Todd and Ferguson grew up in Wyndham and both got their early education from Brendon McLellan.

“It’s been great and I’ve been super lucky because he’s put me on a couple of his really nice ones. It’s an association I’d like to continue if I can.”

Today was Marketplace’s fifth start. Between the Kindergarten Stakes and the Diamond Creek Classic, Todd left the gelding in the south with Ferguson.

“I got to drive him in track work and saw what he could do. So I knew a bit about the horse I had in front of me.”

He added the two year old now has more ringcraft.

“He’s racing a bit more professionally. The ability was always there.”

Todd is currently in Ireland on a six week holiday and returns home on Friday.

“I just had a message from him before. It was three o’clock in the morning. He was watching the race and he was super happy. He has a cousin over there so he went over with his auntie. He went to Badminton (horse trials) and was having a good look around. By the sounds of it he’s really enjoying himself.”

Ferguson was heading home straight after the race – the end of a very long but successful day.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink