by Joshua Smith, Harness News Desk
The connections of Cold Chisel have certainly developed a winning formula when it comes to the Gr.2 Breckon Farms Young Guns Cardigan Bay Stakes (1700m).
Trainers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan, driver Zachary Butcher, and owner Dean Shannon of Montana Park Pty Ltd, have combined to win the last three editions of the race.
Montana DJ kicked off their golden run in 2021, followed by Merlin, who was victorious in the Gr.1 Northern Derby (2700m) on Friday night before Cold Chisel completed the hat-trick at Alexandra Park.
Butcher was positive off the gate with Cold Chisel and secured an early trail behind leader Yourdoinamazinsweety.
The son of Always B Miki enjoyed the soft trip throughout before he was presented up the passing lane and ran away to neck victory over stablemate Escape Artist, with a further head back to Always B Miki, who completed the trifecta for the Clevedon barn.
“He went super,” Butcher said.
“He came off the gate and was lucky to land the trail behind one of the ones to follow. He got the cold shot up the lane and had a bit of speed and was just too good for them. It was a big thrill.
‘He is two-year-old and they can get lost out here. It is only his second or third start and the trail was there to take, I thought it was the place to be, so I jumped in there and it all worked out perfect after that.
“When you drive for Barry and Scotty, it makes our job a lot easier. You a driving little professional with a lot of speed and ability. I just sit there and point them in the right direction. All the hard work is done at home.”
Shannon purchased Cold Chisel out of Denario Breeding’s 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Standardbred Yearling Sale for $100,000.
He has won two and placed in one of his three starts to date and has banked nearly $50,000 in prizemoney.
Earlier in the night, the Clevedon barn had a strong representation in the Gr.2 Delightful Lady Classic (1700m), with three runners in the five-strong field.
Their silver gray and blue silks filled the top three spots turning for home, however, Brent Mangos was intent on spoiling the party with Treacherous Love, who scooted up the passing lane to score a neck victory over Kiss, with Ultimate Racy Girl and Super Tramp filling third and fourth place respectively.
