The races put the spotlight on the younger bred and locally trained pacers and continue to build on the momentum of recent years. The series has shown a steady improvement in the quality of pacers entered.
The three-year-old filly department sponsored by Ladbrokes saw a classic two-horse battle between the previously undefeated local Aloha Princess and the locally bred but Victorian trained Brighton.
Aloha Princess was supported by cronyism, but just ahead of Brighton. And it was Brighton (Downbytheseaside) who had the upper hand. Aloha Princess found the lead but Gaita Pullicino on Brighton was determined to make a run for the lead and once in front she always looked like the one to beat.
BRIGHTON DEC 20 REPETITION
Despite looking like they were over-racing in stages, Brighton moved away from their rivals on the straight and although Aloha Princess eased up for a challenge at the final corner, Brighton sprinted clear to take an effortless win with a lead of just under nine metres, with Ohso Kinky a distant third.
By winning, Brighton repeated her success when she won the Southern Cross as a two-year-old last year. She looked very impressive as she ran her final quarter in 27.8 seconds.
Trained by Emma Stewart Brighton is played by her breeder Mark Carey who played Brighton’s mother Sign Logic. In addition to Brighton, Sign Logic left useful pacesetter Thiswaytothebeach who won nine races.
The department of stallions and geldings sponsored by Alabar Farms was eliminated by talented local pacer Always Dancing (Always B Miki) who upset Victorian favorite Zenario.
As with the previous event, punters had Zenario heavily backed odds on favorite, while Always Dancing was a declining second favorite.
ALWAYS DANCING DEC 20 REPETITION
Luke Dunne on Zenario pushed for the lead and he almost crossed, but Jayson Finnis on Always Dancing had other ideas and he kicked up to hold the lead. Dunne continued to race for a short time before being assigned to race outside the leader.
Always Dancing led, while Imposter Boy took one out and the other back. Yet Zenario still seemed to be traveling within himself as he closed in on Always Dancing on the final turn, where they had run a third quarter in 28.9 seconds.
However, Always Dancing found another gear and defeated Zenario. Imposter Boy went to the inside, but Always Dancing was a well-deserved winner just under five meters from Imposter Boy, while Zenario had a tough run and held on for third place.
Always Dancing’s mother Come Dance with Me was a smart mare in the West, winning 12 races with a time of 1.57.3.
It was a timely victory for Finnis as he will soon leave his Mount Gambier stables to try his luck in Queensland after the New Year.
For full race results, click here.
Through Tony Milanesefor Harnesslink
#Southern #Cross #3YO #Finals #Brighton #Dancing