Arty remains unbeaten
Former Australian superstar Lochinvar Art has made it four from four in North America, with a three length win in his latest race at Yonkers in the lucrative MGM Borgata Pacing Series. Trained by Shane, and driven by wife Lauren Tritton, it was the eight-year-old’s 32nd career win. His time was 1:52.8. The series continues for four weeks before the final in late April. The Trittons have also had success with two time Ireland trotter of the year Harry Knows who has now had three wins from four starts in North America. The latest win was at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania.
Volstead’s first starter
We Can Have It All will become the first Volstead foal to make it to the races at Addington today. The two-year-old trotting filly, trained by Mark and Nathan Purdon, will front up in a non tote at 3.03pm. Volstead, an American bred Swedish Group 1 winner, who won 23 races from 72 starts, left 56 mares in foals in Australia and 27 in New Zealand in his first season. We Can Have It All was foaled at Yabby Dams in Australia and is owned by big American owners Marc Hanover and Gordon Banks. She is believed to be Volstead’s first foal and first-ever starter.
Frank Cooney still in hospital
Respected West Auckland trainer Frank Cooney remains in hospital after suffering a stroke earlier this month. The 72-year-old is reportedly making progress but those close to him say he has a long way to go. Cooney has had over 400 wins since starting out in the 1970s, with some stars such as Lets Elope (26 wins) and seven race winners Kurahaupo Kruzar and Kurahaupo Gem. Harness Racing New Zealand sends its thoughts and love to the Cooney family.
Millwood Nike earning big bucks
Already the country’s highest stakes earner this year, Millwood Nike has the chance to add considerably to her tally in Friday night’s Group 1 Pascoes The Jewellers Northern Oaks at Alexandra Park. Unbeaten in all 10 career starts Millwood Nike has banked $128,9444 so far this year after two wins, including her latest victory in the Peter Breckon Memorial Caduceus Club Ladyship Stakes last Friday. Merlin is second with $107,508.
Junior driver on fire
Sarah O’Reilly is on a hot winning streak. She won with favourite Mamma Mia at Wingatui on Monday, following a double at Motukarara on Sunday (Buckskin and Tectonic), three wins at Manawatu last week, and a double at Reefton on Sunday March 12. Her 26 wins for the year have her comfortably leading the junior drivers’ premiership, with Ben Hope second on 13.
