Whittaker raises the bar

The Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes is shaping up to be a real beaut this year and the Mark Jones trained Whittaker added his name to the list of candidates for the harness racing Group Two feature on Diamonds Day in late April.

In the McKnight and Brown Mobile Pace driver Sam Ottley settled Whittaker five back on the outside with Lilac Flash taking the early leaders role before Manuka Valley took over. This left Whittaker parked. 

"It wasn't the plan to be there. They went hard early and were playing a bit of mickey mouse up front so I thought we'd stay out of it. He's a pretty relaxed horse and it didn't worry him being there," said Ottley.

With 1200 metres to run Lilac Flash was taken out of the trail to the lead again.

At the 400 Ottley had Whittaker up challenging Lilac Flash with the main danger Grand Rainbow on Whittaker's back. On straightening Ottley let the Sportswriter gelding loose and he ran home too well to beat Grand Rainbow by a length and three quarters with another three quarters of a length back to Lilac Flash. The winning time was 2-40.9.

Whittaker and Sam Ottley easily winning at Ascot Park today – Photo Bruce Stewart.

"The mile rate surprises me because he just did it so comfortably. He knocked off at the end with nothing around him but he was doing it easily."

Whittaker was purchased at the 2015 Australian Classic Yearling Sales in Auckland by Nigel McGrath for $20,000 when named Melman. He was initially trained by Mark Jones's mother Leone winning a workout and qualifying as a two year old in May 2016. He was then purchased by Greg Brodie. 

"He's only had three starts and couldn't have done more in all of them. He is a lovely horse. He's exciting and hopefully he can go a wee way. He's got high speed – lightning quick really." 

Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing