Driver Tim Williams once took the high-quality trotting filly Ya Rite Darl with him (What the hill) the writing was on the wall up front for her four rivals in today’s $25,000 Aldebaran Zeus Southern Trotting Oaks at Ascot Park.
“There was a little bit of pressure to get by and get the job done when you’re so short (TAB Odds) in a small field. It can be a little tricky. From the draw I thought we were going to push forward and take the luck out of it,” said Williams, who piloted the filly for trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn.
The only mid-race challenge came from Dash Dosh, but it was short-lived.
“The decision I had to make at the time was whether I was going to take a path or stay at the front. I thought being at the front was the best place to be.”
All of Ya Rite Darl’s races took place at Addington and Alexandra Park and today was the first time she raced at a smaller regional circuit.
“She’s a super gaited little trotter, cornered like a greyhound. Being inside was an advantage and we kept that.”
At the end of the 2,200-meter run, Ya Rite Darl had two lengths to spare on Atlantic City, who chased her the entire time.
“She got a little lost when she was alone, but she wasn’t worried.”
The winning time of 2-45.1 was 1.1 seconds off the race record of 2-44.2 set by 2020 winner Tailored Elegance.
YA RITE LOVE REPEAT
The win was Ya Rite Darl’s sixth and brought her earnings to more than $150,000.
This was Williams’ third victory in the Southern Trotting Race. His previous winners were Luby Lou and Tailored Elegance.
“I was lucky that I was behind some really nice trotters. I was lucky that John decided not to come at the last minute.”
Ya Rite Darl was purchased nameless by Diamond Racing at the NZB Standardbred Weanling Sale for just $8,000 and named by her regular driver John Dunn.
“It’s what I say when Jenna (wife and co-trainer) calls me,” John said.
The plan for Ya Rite Darl is to race in the $40,000s. Group Three Hambletonian in Ashburton on Labor Day.
“It’s been a big old trip today and home tonight. I’ll miss a race at Addington next week, give her a freshen up and go into the Hambletonian fresh.”
Dunn says the way the season is structured now if you don’t want to race the tough old campaigners in ratings races you have to race the male trotters in your age group.
“When you take out the Oaks in November you really have to race the boys all year round. During her two-year-old season she competed against the boys and also raced in the Northern Derby against them. That was the foundation of her.”
For full race results, click here.
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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