WASHINGTON PROWLER WINS ADDINGTON TRIAL
Washington Prowler, who led up and went nearly six seconds inside the required 2YO pacing qualifying time at the Addington trials on Tuesday, February 4, 2014, might not race in Canterbury.
The Washington VC-On The Prowl colt was only transferred from Dave Thompson’s stable to the Overport Lodge team last Sunday.
He impressed trainer Mark Jones with his first drive behind the juvenile.
“It was the first time I’ve sat behind him but I quite like him,” Mark said.
“He’s getting trialled to sell on to Perth on Friday.”
Washington Prowler showed good gate speed in the 2YO colts and geldings trial to lead end-to-end.
He was able to hold late closer Bungalow Bill by half a length in 2:30.7 for the mobile 2000m (2:01.2 mile rate).
Washington Prowler kept the pace strong throughout, pacing his last 800m in 58.9s and final 400m in 29.7s.
He is from the raceplaced Jaguar Spur mare On The Prowl, a half-sister to the former filly/mare, Oaxaca Lass (p3, 1:55.8), who numbered wins in the Chariots Of Fire, Queensland Derby, Australian Oaks, NZ Sires Stakes 3YO Fillies Final, Southland Oaks and NZ Premier Mares Championship.
Oaxaca Lass won scored 19 wins for $456,134 in stakes.
On The Prowl is also a half-sister to Ides Of May (TT, 1:57.4) and the hardy Another Homer, the winner of six and $85,313 in NZ for breeder Graham Pearson and now a 1:52.2 miler in North America.
Her grand-dam Catarina was a smart Smooth Fella filly for Pearson, winning twice in a limited career and is also the ancestress of the good winners Shiraz Matazz (1:51.2, USA) and big Queensland winner Alberto Contador (1:56.7 m.r, 2138m, 12 wins, $208,418), formerly a runnerup in a 2YO Jewels Emerald for Mark Purdon.
Jaccka Len, a newcomer to the Mark Jones stable after being purchased out Southland by the Butterworth Racing Syndicate, stepped out from his new quarters at Tuesday’s trials.
The 4YO McArdle-Lets Go Jaccka gelding won his debut and only start to date at Winton on September 8.
Jaccka Len, given a good trip two and three back on the markers by Michelle Neilson, fought well behind three-race winner Messini and Jumbo Jet in a C1 mobile 1950m heat.
Messini, returning after winning twice in Australia, led early, trailed Lady Godiva inside the final lap and ran clear to win by two lengths in a 2:03.6 rate 1950m.
The leaders had the speed on over their last 800m in 55.7s and final 400m in 28.5s.
Superior Desire, also raced by the Butterworth Syndicate, had a conditioning trial in the C2 and faster mobile heat.
Also driven by Michelle, Superior Desire trailed on the outer in a fast run heat and was sound finishing fifth to unbeaten Bettor’s Delight 3YO filly Willow.
Willow, winner of the $147,2000 Alabar Sires Stakes Fillies Championship at Auckland on New Year’s Eve, trailed two and three back on the inner.
she unwound best to hold stablemate Isaiah, who trailed the winner, with Elios running on late for third.
North American import Johnny Rock, who took over at the 1300m, tired after trying to slip the field on the home turn.
Willow winner rated 1:58.4 for the mobile 1950m, the leaders running their last 800m in 58.3s and final 400m in 31s.