WESTERN FLARE REPEATS FOR AMATEUR DRIVER
Western Flare, and driver Trevor Ward, made the most of the extended conditions to pick up another amateur drivers race success at the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club’s Tuesday meeting on December 20.
The win allowed the Met Five Syndicate-owned pacer to extend his career earnings to $41,868 as he racked up his 10th career win (eighth penalty-free) from 41 starts.
Overport Lodge trainer Mark Jones has found suitable easier opportunities for Western Flare to win three of his last four starts and extend his longevity in New Zealand.
The 5YO McArdle gelding has been registered as a $50,000 claimer, which allows Western Flare extra opportunities.
Western Flare had accepted again in a five wins and faster $12,500 Garrard’s Horse & Hound Mobile Pace over 1950m at Addington on Friday, Dec. 23, but was withdrawn as he was transferred there from a programmed claimer, which had been deleted.
Tuesday’s race was little more than a workout for Western Flare in the $3000 Bishopdale & Bush Inn TAB’s Amateur Drivers Pace for the 1-7 win pacers.
Despite a boring pole coming adrift in the early stages, Mr Ward had him cruising in front and only had to keep his mind on the job to win as he liked by 4 1/2 lengths.
He jogged the mobile 1950m in 2:27.7, a 2:01.8 mile rate, quickening over his last 800m in 58.2s.
Mr Ward announced on his return to the birdcage that driving Western Flare was “like driving a Rolls Royce.”
Mullingar Mac was the best of his rivals, with Dixie Belle being disqualified from third for galloping in the early stages.
By Jeff Scott
