BEAU BRUMMELL TROTS NZ 2YO RECORD
Beau Brummell, the first of four winning drives for Burnham driver Mark Jones at Timaru on Sunday, May 1, surprised with a New Zealand record win for a two-year-old colt or gelding squaregaiter.
The Earl gelding’s good manners helped him capitalise on a perfect trail to take out the Opihi Vineyard Juvenile Mobile Trot.
Beau Brummell finished determinedly along the inner to wear down first-starter Another Love in 2:34.4 for the mobile 2000m, a mile rate of 2:04.2. His time was 0.4 inside the month old mark set by Flying Isa at Rangiora on March 30.
Until the last few months, the NZ mobile 2000m 2YO trot male juvenile record was of 2:37.7, set by Special Branch when he won the 1998 NZ 2YO Trotting Stakes at Addington _ the last year it was run over 2000m before the feature trot was shortened to 1950m.
Gee’s Pride, the two-year-old filly record over the mobile 2000m, recorded a quicker 2:32.6 when wnnning the 1997 NZ 2YO Trotting Stakes at Addington.
“Beau Brummell is no star or nothing like that but has good manners,” said Mark Jones, who also prepares the solid young trotter.
“He’s got no worse and a few others have got a bit better. I’ve changed his training and backed off him a bit lately and it was also a good run from him a few days earlier (when second) at the Tuesday meeting there.”
“The owners turned down good money for him, so there decision has been vindicated. He’ll run in the Sires Stakes Final next then take his chance in the Jewels.”
Beau Brummell, the first foal from the unraced Lady Boo Kay, by Sundon from the former smart mare Zola’s Pride (eight trot wins), is raced by Timaru accountant Graham Stoddart, “Beer” McCutheon, Kevin Schmack, P Darby, “Bub” Phillips and “Pup” Hulston.
“They were over the moon. The were given the horse and are just enjoying having a bit of fun,” Mark said.
SARKOZY WINS DOUBLE
Mark topped and tailed the Timaru programme as a trainer, producing improving three-year-old pacer Sarkozy for back-to-back wins in his latest racing.
“Last Friday he worked as good as he has ever worked,” Mark said.
“He went out the favourite at his early starts but has been a totally different horse since coming back this time. He’s had good manners, but surprisingly there have been no inquiries to buy him.”
“It was a good effort to win his maiden at Addington and he took the step up again on Sunday.”
Sarkozy, a three-year-old McArdle gelding, strode to the front after the opening 600m and was too good, winning by two lengths over Far Too Rusty.
He paced the 2600m from a stand in 3:22.7, quickening over his last 800m in a swift 56.7s and his closing 400m in 27.8s.
Sarkozy races in the light blue and red colours of former Harness Racing New Zealand president Max Bowden, who races Sarkozy with wife Frances, and Max’s son Lyndon.
Mrs Bowden bred Sarkozy from Oh So Precious, a Son Of Afella half-sister to Browngate Mister (1:54.4m, US), who she purchased six years ago.
Oh So Precious belongs to the same family as former smart fillies Steady Lady (1:55.4, US), Steady Niatross, Magnificent Yield and Speedy Girl.
“As an old mare, her dam Browngate Missy, a small Tudor Hanover mare, left three $100,000-plus inners and one who won $90,000,” Max said.
Sarkozy, broken-in by West Melton horseman Brian Zampese, was transferred to Mark shortly before qualifying.