Young harness racing trainer Aaron Swain recorded his biggest training win at Ascot Park on Saturday when Betta Go Fernco won the Arden Lodge Robin Dundee Crown for fillies and mares.

Driver Dexter Dunn opened the throttle early and from barrier seven had Betta Go Fernco in front and trucking along.

"That's the only way to treat her out there really. She just lacks that acceleration so when they go she's just left a bit flat footed. She steps it up when she has to and she's a good rolling mare," said Swain.

In a very tight finish Betta Go Fernco held out a stern challenge from RR Sand Dollar to win by a nose with a head back to Laytons Lass. 

"From where I was standing I thought we'd been swamped and got third. She just keeps finding and has a will to get to the line." 

The five year old Gotta Go Cullect mare is raced by Brian and Elizabeth Ferns. 

"It's great for them. They've helped me all the way, ever since I met them so today I returned the favour." 

The winning time of 2-01.4 equalled Raksdeal's track record. 

"I didn't think she was good over a short distance but she proved us wrong out there today. We may look at the final heat for the Southern Belle Speed Series and she's also qualified for the Southern Country Cups Final."

Betta Go Fernco was bred by the Fer's and is out of their six win Miles McCool mare I'm A Star. 

"She's a great mare to have at home but if you don't know how to drive her there's no point in hopping in the cart. I'm the only one that knows her and drives her at home. She gets a bit stirred up and may put you into the outside fence. You've just got to let her do her own thing in the prelim or she could stretch your arms by four inches." 

The Mark Jones trained Ariadne Lavros also broke a track and Southland record when she won a C1 and C2 stand event over 2700 metres. Her time of 3-25.2 shaved nearly a second off the old record held by Highland Girl. 

The Brett Gray trained Young Conqueror looks as though he's putting his hand up for the Supremacy as well, getting up to beat Royal Bengal in the Forklifts New Zealand Three Year Old Mobile Pace. He's owned by Robert and Sharon Symon and was driven by Nathan Williamson.

Young Conqueror (4) beating Royal Bengal (6) and The Governor (7)    – Bruce Stewart.

Bruce Stewart
Southland Harness Racing