WINTER SUCCESS: DANKE FOR COMING SYNDICATE
Canterbury racecaller Mark McNamara crystal-balled a win or two in the right places with Danke when he took a punt and secured the 73 start veteran.
Back on the syndication trail for a touch of winter fun, Mark “Mac” and Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones furthered a winning association with their latest project at Forbury last Friday.
Blair Orange, successful behind Danke for the two Marks (McNamara & Jones), at Forbury.
Danke, who had promised wins for Motukarara trainer Murray Edmonds, had won twice previously but invariably had disappointed with frustrating manners on the strong Canterbury circuit.
Downgraded and sent south for an easier C0-1 attempt first-up first-up from his new quarters at Forbury last Friday, the horse exceeded expectations by recouping his outlay in one hit.
Mark McNamara encouraged 19 others to try their luck in the Danke (thanks in German) For Coming Syndicate.
“Yep, it was a good result to get a win first-up for Mark Mac, who does a wonderful job with syndicates,” said the Overport Lodge trainer.
Driver Blair Orange stepped Danke safely but cautiously, soon finding a perfect one-one sit.
Danke, a cleverly-named 7YO Sundon-Thanx gelding, was too advanced for maiden Scottie Trouble in the run home, scoring by 1 1/4 lengths in 2:52 for the stand start 2200m.
Connections will be hopeful a return to winning form could spark a resurgence in Danke’s career.
He gets a chance to feature again, but returns to Canterbury racing in a stronger C1-2 mobile 2600m trot at Rangiora on Sunday.
However, Danke has a win and a placing from 20 mobile career starts and if his manners hold, can’t be ruled out being dividend-bearing again.