FOUR JUVENILES GAIN THEIR TICKETS
Trainer Mark Jones qualified four two-year-old pacers, all going well under the 2:04.4 standard for the 1609m, at the Ashburton trials on Tuesday, March 13.
Glenferrie Rustler (Lis Mara-Exceptional Lass colt) led up in the first 2YO pace, and although outfinished to wind up fifth of five in the run home, ran a solid 2:01.1, as winner Donegal Chokin went on to score in 2:00.
Ideal Arden (American Ideal-Madam Maroussia colt) trailed third for Scott Stewart and finished under two lengths from the winner, clocking 2:00.6.
Classiebee (McArdle-Ceebee colt) led up in the 2nd 2YO pace for Mark, but had to settle for second to the Brendon Hill-trained Christian Cullen filly, Lady Godiva, who finished best from the trail to win by three-quarters of a length in 2:00.5 for the 1609m.
Runnerup Classiebee, a grand-son of former smart filly Coma Berenices, returned 2:00.6 for second, with stablemate Glenferrie Hood (Christian Cullen-Nifty Franco gelding), settling back and running fourth for Regan Todd, clocking 2:01.5.
Glenferrie Farm-owned 2YO trotter Glenferrie Miner, a half-brother to You Rock and Lifeotheparty, resumed on Tuesday.
The Sundon gelding, freshened after racing at Addington on February 12, was swamped late in a three-horse 2YO mobile trial, finishing a length from winner Astral Traveller, who won in 2:08.2 for the 1609m, the leaders last 800m in 62.3s and final 400m in 30.1s.