The battle between three Southland four year olds continued at Gore on Sunday when Pulp Fiction, I'm Full Of Excuses and Tas Man Bromac renewed a rivalry that started last season in the Alabar Southern Supremacy Stakes.
 
It was the locally owned Pulp Fiction who triumped when he recorded his tenth win in his twenty four race career. 
 
"We targeted this race because he's owned here and it's nice for him to do the job," said trainer Tony Stratford."
 
"It was only the gelding's fifth start this season. He won first up at Oamaru in September before minor placings at Gore, Kaikoura and Invercargill."
 
"He's come up super and Oamaru seems like a long time again."

"He could have easily won his last three starts but things haven't worked out for one reason or another."
 
In yesterdays Mataura Licensing Trust Gore Trotting Cup the four year old entire began well from the 30 metre mark.

Stablemate Even Flo set a fast early clip before Pulp Fiction in the lightning fast move by driver Dexter Dunn took the lead with just under 1600 metres to run.  
 
"We don't tell Dexter how to drive him as he knows the horse better than anyone.

"I was hoping that if he got away well that he'd get around the field."

"With as much speed as he's got you just can't give those horses a start and come wide so I was pleased to see him go round when he did."
 
Pulp Fiction was joined by favourite Tas Man Bromac with a lap to run.

At the top of the straight Dunn cut away from Tas Man Bromac and Even Flo.

I'm Full Of Excuses made up many lengths from the back to get within one and three quarters of the length of Pulp Fiction with Tas Man Bromac four lengths away in third.  
 
"As long as he comes through this well he'll go to Omakau then we'll probably give him a wee let up and run him in the Invercargill Cup."

"I can't see him having too many more starts this season to be fair."

If we look after him this year maybe he'll be in the big one (New Zealand Cup) next year." 
 
He's owned by Alan Steel, his son Raymond Steel and Allan's other son Chris's partner Sally McCann. 
 
Pulp Fiction time of 3-20.9 was a new race and track record.

The previous race and track record was held by Tartan Lady who recorded 3-21.1 in 1998. 
 
This is the first time Stratford has won the Gore Cup as a trainer. He drove the Ian Wilson trained Oreti Beach to win the race in 2005. 

Bruce Stewart  –  Southland Harness Racing