Mark Purdon gets Menangle party started

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MARK PURDON GETS MENANGLE PARTY STARTED

Not that he needed any incentive, but the sight of his 90-year-old father Roy striding through the gates of Tabcorp Park Menangle on Saturday, February 25, 2017, signalled the start of a big night for champion trainer-driver Mark Purdon.

A little over an hour later Purdon landed the first Group One of the evening, the HQ Insurance NSW Oaks, with a masterful drive to score with his latest ‘female’ stable star in Partyon.

Partyon (3f Bettor’s Delight-Beach Parade), with Mark Purdon wearing the Breckon Farms colours, put in the winning run wide in the 2017 New South Wales Oaks.

Caught behind the leader, Takara Truffle for most of the race, it was always going to be a case of simply being given a chance to get a crack at her rivals in the straight for Partyon ($2.50) to be the one to beat.A little over an hour later Purdon landed the first Group One of the evening, the HQ Insurance NSW Oaks, with a masterful drive to score with his latest ‘female’ stable star in Partyon.

Still Purdon remained patient and turning for home extricated his filly from the pocket behind the leader coming wide on the track as the $2.40 favourite Petacular (Michael Stanley) made a dash for home.

“I was a bit anxious turning for home, I’ll admit,” said Purdon afterwards.

“But once she (Partyon) got a crack at them she was just too good on the night.

“She’s done a great job for us since joining the stable, this filly and she’s now remained unbeaten.”

Partyon rated a 1:56.2 mile rate for the 2400m, pacing the full journey in 2:53.3, to defeat Petacular and outsider Eliza Dushku (Amanda Turnbull) who zoomed home along the pegs to just hold out Shezallapples for third.

Purdon was quickly off the podium to chase more Group One glory in later races.

Courtesy of Mandy Zammitt, Social Media & Trotguide Co-ordinator, Menangle.