MORE HEAD FOR AUSSIE
Former New Zealand Trotting Oaks winner Commander Jewel is to return for a second crack at the Australian scene, this time in New South Wales.
Canterbury owner “Jim” McDonald has struck up a 50-50 deal with New South Wales horseman Leon Jurd, which will see the big CR Commando-In De Fence mare joining the trot ranks at Menangle.
Commander Jewel was tried in Victoria by Mr McDonald at the end of her NZ 3YO racing. She returned to Canterbury after winning once from six starts in Australia.
Now five, Commander Jewel has picked up a further win and two placings from the Mark Jones stable.
Her career record now stands at 33 starts for seven wins and six placings, for $48,350 in stakes.
Meanwhile, two-win pacer, Suerte, also left the stable last week to do his future racing in Australia.
Suerte, to do his future racing in Australia.
Suerte (5g Falcon Seelster-Atomist), owned in Australia by Merv and Meg Butterworth, had been unplaced in two starts since resuming following a solid run of former in December-January.
Consistent 4YO Alex, the winner of four and 10 times placed from 30 NZ starts, is also earmarked to leave for Australia.
“He’ll go in another couple of weeks for better opportunity in handicapping there,” Mark said.
Alex, a younger brother to good winning mare Glenferrie Alexis, bred and owned by Gold Coast owner Greg Brodie, ran on late for fourth from the back row behind upset winner Hairy Maclary at the Cheviot meeting at Addington on Sunday, the winner rating a strong 1:59.2 for the 2600m.