Bet N Win back on active list

After finishing fifth in the Lyell Creek Stakes in Auckland in March, the trainers of Bet N Win (What The Hill) decided something was not quite right with their star trotter, so he was unable to defend is Rowe Cup title.

Remaining up north, he was sent to the Matamata Vet Clinic where he underwent a Scintigraphy.

“They found an issue with his fetlocks called PODs. (Palmer/Planter Osteochondral Disease – an exercise fatigue injury in the fetlocks). It’s like bone bruising in the fetlocks, so we’ve come up with a bit of a plan to try and manage that and take the concussion out of his legs,” said David White, who trains the six year old with his wife Stacey.

Now armed with that knowledge, Bet N Win has begun another preparation with some big spring targets in mind.

“The main recommendation from Barb Hunter (Vet) was to work him on a softer surface. We’re luck with where we are in Ashburton and we’re able to use the galloping plough which is really nice and deep and soft all the time. That should be the most beneficial thing for him.”

Bet N Win has had two months away from the racetrack and is currently on the water walker at Bob Butts.

“He’s looking really well, is fat and is feeling well within himself which is exactly what you want to see after a big long spell. We’re planning on picking him up next week.”

Bet N Win’s last win was in a heat of the Interdominions at Albion Park in July last year. He went on to run second in the final behind Arcee Phoenix while his last win in New Zealand was in the Group One Rowe Cup over twelve months ago.

Outside of Bet N Win, the Whites are starting to build a young team and David is excited about three yearling trotters he’s currently doing the groundwork with.

Muscle Magic is a Muscle Mass colt out of Shell Seeker, making him a full-brother to Princess Sadie. He’s owned by the Windrush Trust who bred him.

They also have two yearlings by Ecurie D. On the racetrack Ecurie D won twenty of his thirty one starts in America and is a dual USA Open Breeders Crown Champion winning over $1.5 million.

The Whites bought a colt by Ecurie D out of Orlando Vici mare Saint Etienne at the Auckland sales for $67,500. Saint Etienne’s first foal Hammer, won as a two year old at Ballarat in August.

The filly is out of the French mare Etsic Etaitvrai

“I can’t fault either of them. Good manners, good gait and a good attitude. They’ve been really nice and I’m really excited about all three of them actually.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink