AUSSIE INTEREST IN INVERCARGILL WINNER
Ransom Olds, who rejoined the Mark Jones stable only a week before he delivered at the Riverton meeting at Invercargill on October 26, is likely to join the export list before long.
“There’s been interest from Aussie for him,” Mark said.
“He was pretty good last season but got knocked over in the 2YO Sires Stakes Final at Addington (May 21).”
“He ended up with 12 stitches in a foot and only went to the Jewels at Cambridge (June 5) to get the appearance money ($5000).”
“He still had the stitches in when he raced at Cambridge.”
Ransom Olds, a colt by top US sire Artsplace from former top filly Adios Dream (p2, 1:58.4, 16 NZ and Aust. wins), finished midfield when resuming in JB Maguire’s 3:13.9 maiden run (mobile 2600m) at Addington on October 9.
He was sent out a warm favourite at Invercargill and was too good after pressing forward to take control over early leader Roy Bolt in 2:45.9 (2:01.3 mile rate) for the mobile 2200m.
“He keeps going. He’s a good stayer,” Mark said.
“He was Well placed to win a $3776 Tuesday maiden,” he added.
Last season, Ransom Olds gained a penalty-free Forbury 2200m win (2:00.9 mile rate).
Ransom Olds was a slightly unmotivated when caught wide racing into the first bend on Tuesday, but Mark said a gear change was responsible.
“He Usually has half-blinds on, but I had pull-downs on him.”
“I like mine to be lazy and when you ask them, they should go,” he said.
Ransom Olds has a bit going for him on breeding. He is a half-brother to fast US winner Smokey Lonesome (1:52.2US, five NZ and Aust wins), and Daisy Dundee (four NZ wins).
Their dam Adios Dream is a well-performed half-sister by Caprock to Advance Debra, most notably the dam of champion pacer Courage Under Fire (1:54.2), and also a half-sister to OK Deb (p3, 1:58.1, nine NZ and Aust wins), the grand-dam of smart pacer Harley Earl (p3, 1:55.9 mile rate, 1950m).
Mark Jones, who racked up his 10th training win for the season with Ransom Olds, picked up his 17th and 18th driving wins for the new term at Invercargill.
He also partnered the Andrew Stuart-trained Mr Chrome for a front-running win in the day’s feature, the $15,000 Highview Standardbreds/Justa Tiger Riverton Cup.
“I was hoping something would come round but they were all scared,” Mark said.
Mr Chrome held comfortably by half a length from Kai Bree She in a sedate 3:35.8 for the full 2700m (stand), quickening over his last 800m in 56.5s and final 400m in 27s.
“It was good to win for Andrew to win the Riverton Cup as his father Doug is the president down there,” Mark said.
Mr Chrome, now the winner of four from only eight starts, will try and advance his score further in upcoming premier races at the NZ Cup meeting.
By Jeff Scott