Winton double for Ottley

Canterbury harness racing driver Sam Ottley has been heading south regularly during the past two months and she’s been rewarded with a handful of southern wins.

Her two victories today at Winton helped counter the cold and wet raceday conditions and made the trip worthwhile.

The first win came driving Tact Teena, (Bettor’s Delight) trained by her employer Mark Jones.

From the 1200 metre mark Ottley decided to sit parked with the three year old filly and she was too tough for race leader and favourite Tilly Dunnage, winning the race by a head.

TACT TEENA REPLAY

“She’s been a tricky wee mare who’s had lots of problems with tie up issues. She was scratched the other week because she had a foot abscess. Hopefully we’re on top of that now. She had to do it the tough way but she fought right to the line,” Ottley said.

The second win came in the next race when she partnered Rylan Charlie (Changeover) to win. Trained by Shane Matheson it was the six year olds second win.

Ottley took the gelding straight to the top and without other midrace pressure Rylan Charlie went down to the line to win easily by three and three quarter lengths.

RYLAN CHARLIE REPLAY

“He won his maiden in front at Gore. He got out of the gate really well and got left alone. He’s big bold and brave in front and was good at the line.”

Today’s win on Rylan Charlie was Ottley’s fifth for Matheson since the Gore meeting on August 22^nd.

“Shane and Lisa (Barrie) have been great to me and put me on all of their runners which has been a huge bonus. I’ve been lucky enough to pick up a few other drives as well so it’s made it worthwhile.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink

For complete race results, click here