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Esprit Jaccka to back up Thursday

J Scott Latest News

 

ESPRIT JACCKA TO TRY AGAIN


Esprit Jaccka is to back up at Addington on Thursday night after her sound second to Coughton Court in a 1 win and faster mobile 1950m pace at Addington on Tuesday, July 5.

Esprit_Jaccka

The Live Or Die mare was given every chance on Tuesday by Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones, who secured the run of the race on the outer over the final lap.

However, Coughton Court, first-up since returning to the Leithfield stable of Robbie Holmes, had the last say wearning her down by three-quarters of a length in a 1:59.9 mile rate for the mobile 1950m.

“She’ll go round again now that she’s back in the field,” said Mark.

 

Esprit Jaccka, who had freshened well after being off her game at her previous start, will try to replicate her maiden win over 2000m from a stand at Addington on June 3 for the Green Machine Racing Syndicate.

She led and held Zahhara by a neck in a handy 2:32.6 for the stand start 2000m on that occasion, running her last 800m in 58.7s, and will start from wide on the front over the stand start 2000m again.

Mark, who returned from a 10-day holiday in France on Monday afternoon, was placed with both Tuesday drives.

He had also intended to go to England, but decided to cut the trip short after major owner Peter Chambers was unable to make the trip.

Mark earlier reined stablemate Bedlam to run third first-up in the Bishopdale TAB – 333 Harewood Road 2YO Mobile Pace.

Bedlam trailed favourite The Perfect Storm and rallied solidly along the sprint lane.

However both The Perfect Storm and Bedlam were outfinished by Waitati, who capitalised after getting a good run on the outer for Samantha Ottley.

Ironically, Waitati, was trained earlier in the season for a time by Mark before being on-sold by Waikouaiti owner Bruce Negus to Colin and Julie De Filippi.

Waitati, a colt by Courage Under Fire, won going away by a length in 2:27.2 for the mobile 1950m, a mile rate of 2:01.4, the leaders running their last 800m in 59.1s and final 400m in 28.9s.

NZ junior champ contenders

J Scott Latest News

 

NZ JUNIOR DRIVERS CONTENDERS


After 18 weeks of harness racing competition, the 12 contenders for the 2011 NZ Junior Driver Championship have been decided.

 

Qualifying for the third consecutive year, but the first as a ‘North Islander’, is Mitchell Kerr.

 

Although he was winless during qualifying, Kerr finished one point ahead of first-time starter and the only female contender, Kelly Blakemore.

 

Shane Butcher will also be starting in his first Championship, while Zac Butcher will begin in his third. Zac won the Championship in 2009 over Joshua Dickie, who finished second again last year. Rounding out the North Island team is Auckland TC’s Assistant Racing Manager, David Branch.

 

Matthew Williamson comfortably finished atop the South Island table with 16 points over Tim Williams.

 

This will be Williams’ fourth Championship, qualifying every year since gaining his licence.

 

Also trying to win the title for their fourth and also last time will be Bob Butt, who will become an Open Horseman next season. Both Lawrence McCormick and Carl Hanna have qualified for the first time, while Brett Cusdin will make his second Championship appearance.

 

The North vs South Inter-Island Challenge is back for a second year. Points earned by each driver will be added to their respective Island’s total and the Island with the most points over the Championship will be awarded the Challenge trophy. In its inaugural year, the North Island convincingly won Challenge with 117 points over the South Island, with 41 points.

 

Driver Age Qualifying Qualifying Career Champion
Wins Points Wins Starts
North Island
Mitchell Kerr 19 0 27 66 2010, 2009
Kelly Blakemore 20 2 26 14
Shane Butcher 19 2 22 10
Zac Butcher 20 1 22 117 2010, 2009 (Champ)
Joshua Dickie 20 1 20 74 2010, 2009
David Branch 21 1 16 10 2009
South Island
Matthew Williamson 21 3 65 136 2010
Tim Williams 22 4 49 85 2010, 2009, 2008
Bob Butt 21 3 41 93 2009, 2008, 2007
Lawrence McCormick 24 1 39 16
Brett Cusdin 29 2 33 14 2009
Carl Hanna 22 1 21 27
The 2011 Championship will be held over three races on Friday 15th July at Addington Raceway. All conditions can be viewed on the HRNZ website, while profiles and race details will be released in the lead-up to the event.
Courtesy of Brooke Henderson, HRNZ Marketing &Communications Co-ordinator


Lethal Rocket sold

J Scott Former News, Latest News

 

LETHAL ROCKET SOLD TO NSW

 

The Overport Lodge team has farewelled tight class pacer Lethal Rocket, who has been sold to clients of Darren Hancock’s stable in New South Wales.

The 6YO Pacific Rocket-Shesa Vance gelding furthered a strong career record for trainer Mark Jones over the last two years.

“He was sold because of lack of suitable races for him with the NZ handicapping system,” Mark said.

“If we brought him up again next season he would have to race the best in races like the Hannon Memorial and Ashburton Flying Stakes.”

Lethal Rocket began his career with a bang four years ago, winning the $117,000 Northern Hemisphere Time 2YO Open Pace first-up at Auckland for former Ellesmere trainer Dean Taylor with Mark at the helm.

He won the $20,000 Waikouaiti Cup on February 13, third in the Wyndham Cup two weeks later, and was a head second to Sleepy Tripp in the Cheviot Cup in early March.

lethal-rocket-action-9

Lethal Rocket was driven by catch-driver Blair Orange to upset Code Red and top 3YO Gold Ace for his last NZ win at Addington at the Reefton meeting there on April 15 in 3:17.5 for the stand start 2600m.

His last NZ placing was a third behind Power Of Tara and Nearea Franco in a 1:59 mile rate over 2600m in a $25,000 free-for-all at Addington on April 23.

Lethal Rocket, at his best when saved for one run, has raced 60 times for seven wins and 19 placings, earning $158,104 in stakes.

 

Shane Larkins appointed in Victoria

J Scott Latest News

 

EX-CANTY STIPE GETS TOP JOB


Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Larkins to the position of Chairman of Stewards.

 

Shane_LarkinsShane will replace James Hitchcock, who has accepted a position on the Racing Victoria Ltd stewards’ panel and will vacate the HRV role on July 1.

 

Shane is a passionate harness racing steward, most recently in his current position as Chairman of Stewards (Harness) for Racing Services Tasmania. Prior to that he had been a steward with Harness Racing Victoria and Harness Racing New Zealand.

 

HRV CEO John Anderson welcomed the appointment of Mr Larkins.

 

“Shane beat a quality field of applicants by demonstrating a strong knowledge of the rules, regulations and policies in harness racing. Shane is also well aware of HRV’s focus on, and commitment to, integrity.

 

“Among his other qualities is a capacity to instigate and manage change, as well as a desire to self-develop and assist subordinates. I am certain he will quickly gain the respect of the industry.

 

“Shane’s 13 years of experience as a harness racing steward will stand him in good stead for this critical role within HRV.”

 

Shane Larkins will officially commence his role on Monday August 8.

 

Courtesy of Alastair Hogg, HRV Media and Communications Manager

Bob head 2nd in Addington trial

J Scott Latest News

 

BABES BOY BOB COULD RACE AT FORBURY


Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones may nominate Babes Boy Bob for 2-win junior drivers race at Forbury Park on Thursday, June 23, after a bold trial at Addington on Wednesday, June 15.Bob__Sam_Add_trial

Babes Boy Bob, after beginning well to lead early in the 1-win and faster pace, trailed Samuel James over the last lap and ran him to a head, the winner running the 2600m from a stand in a strong 3:18.6.

The leaders quickened over their last 800m in 58s and closing 400m in 28.1s. Babes Boy Bob was in front just after the finish.

“He’s still a bit fat. Thats what he needed today,” Mark said.

“He’s probably come back a bit better this time in.”

“We should be able to steal one over the winter,” he quipped.

Babes Boy Bob appears to have progressed well since a sound trial win at Motukarara last week.

Stablemate Beat The Feet trialled nicely in the 2YO mobile pace.Beat_T_F_Add_trialThe Julius Caesar filly set a solid clip for driver Blair Orange. After going clear turning for home she was caught late by racewinner Jay Bees Grin, who scored by a half a length in 2:29.9 for the mobile 2000m, a mile rate of 2:00.5.

The leaders quickened up over their last 800m in 58.7s and final 400m in 28.7s.

Courage Talks was asked for a bit more in her second trial back since resuming.

After settling back, she improved a lap out and tried to lead over the last 800m of her maiden mobile 1950m pace, being swamped late by D G’s Rose (Steve Golding) and Gogetem.

D G’s Rose paced the mobile 1950m in 2:27.1 (2:01.3 mile rate), the leaders running their last 800m in 59.1s and final 400m in 29.3s.

No Victoria Oaks for ‘Jewel’

J Scott Former News, Latest News

 

COMMANDER JEWEL STAYS HOME


Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones has cancelled a proposed $A50,000 Victoria Trotting Oaks start for Commander Jewel at Tabcorp Park, Melton, on Friday, June 10.

 

Mark had planned to send the CR Commando filly across to Australia next Wednesday, but has reviewed those plans after she galloped and failed to settle in the $100,000 Overport Lodge 3YO Ruby at Ashburton on Jewels day, Saturday, June 4.

 

CJewel_prelimThe NZ Trotting Oaks winner tailed the field in the Ruby, won by favourite Paramount Geegee, who was too strong for the Phil Williamson-trained stablemates Springbank Sam and Talkmeintoit, in 1:57.3 for the 1609m.

 

Earlier, Master Lavros repeated his gallop at the workouts a week earlier in the Neumann’s Tyres and The Tyre General 2YO Ruby Trot and will now head for a four month spell.

 

Stablemate Beau Brummell was handy enough on the outer until the home turn but tired in the run home.

 

Commander Jewel hadn’t put a foot wrong in back-to-back front-running wins going into the Jewels. 

 

She backed up her NZ Trotting Oaks victory with an easy front-running win the 1 win Taieri Print Trot at Oamaru on May 22.

The CR Commando-In De Fence filly justified her warm favouritism at Oamaru, winning untested by 2 1/4 lengths in 3:28.4 for the 2600m from a stand, quickening over her last 800m in 58s and final 400m in 28.8s.

 

After the Jewels, she had raced nine times, for four wins, and $31,207 in stakes.

 

 

Babes Boy Bob back with trial win

J Scott Latest News

 

BABES BOY BOB RESUMES WITH TRIAL WIN

 

Babes Boy Bob, spelled after being placed on both days of the Nelson summer meeting in January, resumed with a solid showing to win the 2-3 win mobile pace at the Motukarara trials on Wednesday, June 8.

Driven by Scott Stewart, Babes Boy Bob settled last of the four but picked up the leaders in the run home to win going away by half a neck in 2:51.6 for the mobile 2200m from pacemaker Eastwood Cullen, Aziza (parked) and Juryman.

Bbb_home_turn_trialThe leaders finished off over their last 800m in 59.6s and closing 400m in a useful 27.9s.

Babes Boy Bob, a 4YO gelding by the Western Hanover sire Totally Western, was purchased out of Southland by Melbourne interests last November.

He won second-up for the Mark Jones stable at Ashburton on December 8, defeating Juryman, who was again among his rivals in Wednesday’s trial.

Raceplaced 3YO filly Courage Talks also resumed on Wednesday. She was given a quiet run in behind by Regan Todd, not being extended to finish fifth of six in the heat won by My Lifesign, who led over the last lap to win for Kevin Williams in 2:54.5 (mobile 2200m).

Beat The Feet, passed in for $19,000 at the Ready To Run 2YO sale last October, had no problem leading throughout to win a 2YO fillies pace at the Motukarara trials on Wednesday, June 8

Now leased by Richard “Dundee” Lee, the Julius Caesar filly came clear for driver Blair Orange by 2 3/4 lengths from Motu Firely in 2:51.6 for the mobile 2200m, quickening over her last 800m in 62.4s and final 400m in 30.3s.

Beat The Feet had run second at her two previous trials, being overshadowed by half a head by Afterburn first-up in a 2YO trial over 1609m at Ashburton on April 25 in 2:03.2, then running Bettor’s Lady to half a head at Motukarara on May 31 in 2:53.5 for the mobile 2200m.

‘Lavros’ makes Jewels

J Scott Former News, Latest News

 

MASTER LAVROS MAKES JEWELS


Burnham trainer Mark Jones will drive Master Lavros, one of two NZ 2YO trot record holders he has qualified for for the Harness Jewels $100,000 Neumann’s Tyres and The Tyre General 2YO Ruby at Ashburton on June 4.

Master Lavros joined 2YO mobile male record holder Beau Brummell in the starting line-up after posting a NZ record for a 2YO trotter over the 2600m distance from a stand at Oamaru on Sunday, May 22.Mast_Lavros
A huge gelding by Sundon, Master Lavros trotted the distance in 3:31.5 on Sunday, shaving 1.1 seconds off the former long-time mark set by former top trotter Wedgewood in 1984.

Mark had Master Lavros quickly into his trotting gait off the unruly and they were left in front when early leader Another Love tangled with 1800m to run.

He had his rivals well covered in the run to the line with Mark not having to activate the removeable hood.

Master Lavros won as he liked by a length from Another Love, who rallied well again late, running his last 800m in 59.9s and final 400m in 28.4s.

“He’s come to it at the right time,” Mark said.

 

“I might give him a run on Saturday at the workouts just to give him a look at the mobile gate,” Mark said.

 

“He shouldn’t be there with his size but he on natural ability he’s pretty good.”

“He’s a big boy but he’s got a good attitude and manners.”

“We didn’t really have any intention of qualifying him but he went to the workouts and went good. He handled it better than I thought he would.”

 

Master Lavros was bred, and is raced by Lavros Lodge Ltd owners, Kypros and Mary Kotzikas, He is from the mported Sierra Kosmos mare Lavra Noblesse, who earlier left useful squaregaiter Kosmopolitan Lavra, who won four from only 15 starts.

Beau Brummell, who set the 2YO mobile 2000m record of 2:34.4 when successful at Timaru on May 1, was found to be off-colour after he raced at Addington on May 14.

“You’d love a mixture of both of them (Beau Brummell and Master Lavros),” Mark said,

“Beau Brummell’s got great manners but he was a bit crook when he raced last time. He’s had an easy time since and will trial on Saturday too. He’s had a pretty long season.”

By Jeff Scott

Princeton gets win on board

J Scott Latest News

 

PRINCETON WINS AT THIRD START

 

Improving 3YO Princeton had the Mark Jones stable back in the winner’s enclosure at Addington on Friday, May 26, after a luckless night at Forbury on Thursday, May 25.

Mark found the markers early from the two gate with the Bettor’s Delight gelding, ending up with a three back trail until working into the clear early in the run home.

Princeton_ownersPrinceton unwound well to wear down Franco Torres by a head at the end of the mobile 1950m in a 2:00.7 mile rate in the $7500 Mountain River Processors Mobile Pace.

“He might have one more start, then he’ll probably go to Blenheim, then go for a break and come back around Christmas,” Mark said.

“Max Bowden (co-owner) has been great like that. He gives you time,” he said.

“Princeton was doing things wrong early on but has just matured. We’ve always liked him.”

Mr Bowden races Princeton with wife Frances, and his son Lyndon.

Princeton is the third to race and third individual winner from Emcil, a Miles McCool mare from the same family as former star pacers Jack Cade (16 wins & $742,232) and Frederick (nine wins, 1:58.1).

Emcil who won three from 24 starts during her race career, left earlier winners in San Fran Lady and Union Buster.

“We lost her next two foals within a week, but she’s now in foal to Changeover,” Mr Bowden said.

Former NZ 2YO filly record holder Heather Castleton is likely to be put in foal after breaking early in the run home at Forbury Park on Thurday night.

“She’s disappointed me. I thought she’d be alright but she’s made a liar of me,” Mark said.

“She’s as good as Commander Jewel but doesn’t want to be a racehorse any more. She probably did too much as a two-year-old,” he said.

Village Anvil, who led up and tired in the run home as a commanding favourite first-up for the stable on Thursday, blew heavily afterwards and should be better for the outing.

Two-year-old pacer Alex is likely to be spelled after battling for sixth in the Vital Stock Foods Mobile Pace at Forbury.

“Jewel” wins NZ Trotting Oaks

J Scott Former News, Latest News

 

COMMANDER JEWEL TOO GOOD IN OAKS

  

Mark Jones furthered a good association with Oxford owner “Jim” McDonald when they won the $25,000 “Dream With Me Stables” NZ Trotters Trust NZ Trotting Oaks with Commander Jewel at Addington on Saturday, May 14.

The combination enjoyed good success with former smart mare Crystal Star (11 wins and $148,406), and also won four races last year with Skip Bo.Trot_Oaks_with_trophy

McDonald, a brother of the late Bill McDonald (of Starship fame), selected Commander Jewel from the NZ Yearling Sales two years ago.

 

“I’ve always wanted a trotter. I bred from Racey Tracey (four trot wins) one year, but lost the mare and foal,” Jim said.

Commander Jewel, a daughter of CR Commando and the second foal from minor trot winner In De Fence (by Sundon from seven-win mare Gypsy Del) has been patiently handled by Mark, having just her sixth race start for her Oaks win.

 

“She is a big overgrown thing and not really a three-year-old, but she wants to be a racehorse,” Mark said.

 

Mark worked to the front from gate six after hot favourite Madisonz Luck galloped just before the start.

“I was happy to see the favourite gallop but I wasn’t happy when one of my own one (stablemate Heather Castleton) did the same soon after the start,” he said.

 

Once she led, Commander Jewel was always trotting too well for her rivals, holding Brookside Filly by a length in 2:27.3 for the mobile 1950m (2:01.5 mile rate), running her last 800m in 59.2s and her final 400m in 28.8s.

This was his first Group race training win since relocating to the state of the art Overport Lodge training centre at Burnham three months ago. Mark brought up his 40th training win for the season and his 62nd driving for the season.Jewel_wins_Trot_Oaks

 

Commander Jewel’s Oaks win was belated compensation for Mark, who after winning last year’s NZ Trotting Derby with filly Shezoneoftheboyz, had the misfortune for her to gallop as favourite, losing her chance in last year’s Trotting Oaks.

This was his second driving win in the Trotting Oaks, having catch-driven the Mark Purdon and Grant Payne-trained Pocaro to win the Oaks in 2009.

 

 

Commander Jewel’s Invercargill breeder Don McRae scored himself a free service to Love You as a result of her win in the Group Three Oaks.

 

Mark furthered a successful day by teaming up with Texican for former boss Cran Dalgety to run second in the $250,000 PGG Yearling Sales NZ 2YO Open Pace later on the programme.

 

By Jeff Scott