February 2, 2012

Just half a head separated Mac the Finn (inside) and Alta Christiano as they crossed the line in a two year old colts and geldings mile trial at Ashburton Raceway yesterday.

Speedy youngsters are becoming a regular feature at trials at Ashburton this season as trainers are testing their latest crop of future champions on the track.
Top time yesterday was notched up over a mile by the John Howe trained Boomgate. John Dunn drove the Courage Under Fire – Kelly’s Eye youngster across the line in a slick 1:59.6, just a fraction of a second ahead of the All Stars Stable’s Robyn’s Raider (Live or Die-Pocket Vision), driven by Blair Orange. Boomgate ran the last 800m in 57.2secs and the final 400m in 26.9secs.
In the other two year old trial for colts and geldings, the Tim Butt trained Mac  the Finn (Grinfromeartoear-Elish Finn) came home half a head clear of Paul Kerr’s Alta Christiano (Christian Cullen-Right This Time), with Northview Punter (Bettor’s Delight-Watch Your Step) coming home in third. Mac the Finn ran the 1609 metres in 2:01, with splits of 58.3secs, 800m and 27.2secs for the final 400m.
Fastest two-year-old filly on the day was Colin de Fillippi’s Village Pride (Live or Die-Soky’s Rose) who beat off all comers to run 1609m in 2.02.5. Top young trotter was John Hay’s Rosemma (Monarchy-Sun Mist), 2.11.6, 63.4secs, 800m;  29.4secs, 400m.