The form horse of the moment Notanotha Naughty (What The Hill) showed great courage in his dramatic victory in the Group 1 $60,000 Redwood Classic for two-year-old trotters at Maryborough on Sunday afternoon.
A solid favorite based on his near-flawless record. Notanotha Naughty was able to settle safely into fourth place.
Northern Truscott showed dazzling early speed to run into the lead with Unclad behind the leader and Zoolu three back on track. The well-supported The Preacher broke away at the start and was well back in the field.
Finally, Jason Lee came off the fence to race outside Northern Truscott. Aldebaran Ada managed to secure the only outbound and one return track.
But at the business end of the race, towards the 400 metres, Notanotha Naughty started to apply the pressure and he quickly burned Northern Truscott but was a sitting duck to those behind him. Unclad went off the rails and took off after Notanotha Naughty, as did Aldebaran Ada. But he continued to withstand the pressure and was likely to delay a comfortable victory.
But it was The Preacher who was back on track in fourth, whose driver James Herbertson was able to maneuver through the pack with a late dive and in a thrilling finish he just failed to catch Notanotha Naughty with Unclad in a close third.
NOTANOTHA NAUGHTY NOVEMBER 2 REPEAT
Notanotha Naughty is ridden by Hugh Cathals of Pearcedale, who bred the gelding, and is royally bred by star trotting sire Watt The Hill of renowned American speedster Naughty.
Naughty won over a quarter of a million dollars in the United States with an impressive mileage rate of 1.54. After bringing her to Australia, Cathals raced her twice before an injury interrupted her career.
Having proven to be the best two-year-old trotting racer in the state, Notanotha Naughty will prove difficult to beat in the Vicbred Super Series and Breeders Crown held at Melton later in November and December.
The victory capped an incredible run for driver Jason Lee, who previously enjoyed success with Jilliby Dreamlover (Love You), Jilliby Ballerini (Majestic Son) and Keayang Lovita (Volstead). Four winners on Redwood Day is certainly no mean feat and Jason and his family have worked hard to achieve well-deserved success.
If there was an unlucky runner in the Redwood, it would have to have been The Preacher’s runner-up. He galloped and was back on track in fourth, but as James Herbertson made his way through the field he finished so quickly he could have won by another stride.
He will have a chance to make amends in the Super Series and Breeders Crown.
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
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