Despite a niggly draw, Allamericanlover was still just too “brave” in winning the Group 2 Garrards’ Premier Mares Championship at Addington last night.
The American Ideal six-year-old started from the outside of the front line over 1980m for Team Telfer and top stable driver Tim Williams.
They went back to last before making a big move three wide to sit parked, before running down the pace-making Manhattan to win the $60,000 feature by more than a length.
Initially, Williams’ plan was to drive her with “a sit”.
“But we went to plan B. They backed off and I was able to get a cart into it and she relaxed in the death and was brave up the straight,” Williams told Harness Unhinged’s Nigel Armstrong post race.
She paid $6.90 and $2.40, winning her 12th race in 33 starts. It was her first win since also beating Manhattan in the Group 1 Queen of Hearts at Alexandra Park in December 2022.
The well-favoured Lady of the Light for northern trainer Jeremy Young finished off her race well, from an awkward draw, to run into fifth.
She’ll stay in Christchurch and prepare for a re-match in the Group 1 Standardbred Breeders’ Stakes at Addington on February 9.
It was a memorable night too for Carter Dalgety, as he nabbed four winners from his only four drives of the night.
He took out the first three races on the card with horses all trained by his parents Cran and Chrissie Dalgety (Kentuckiana Lodge).
Orlando Express got things rolling before All You Need Is Me made it two wins from as many career starts and hot favourite Bryson Dechambeau was an impressive winner on debut after showing plenty of ability at the trials.
“There was a big crew on course and it was pretty cool to get it done first up,” Dalgety said.
Carter Dalgety made it four for the night when hot favourite Xlendi won Race 9 as well. He has extended his lead at the top of the junior drivers’ premiership with 11 wins so far in 2024.