Casterton and Luvtobeuptome win SA Classics

Victorian colt Casterton (Downbytheseaside) had to really work for his win in a thrilling harness racing edition of the $20,000 Alabar SA Botra Golden Nursery Final for two year olds.

Starting odds on favourite as a result of his impressive heat win Casterton was caught a little wide early as the local outsider Champagne Problem sped out of the gate to take up the running with Lambro Delrose taking the trail behind the leader.

The unbeaten local colt Rankine who had also won his heat settled back from his second row draw to be one off the fence trailing the field. Jackie Barkie on Casterton made her charge around the field. However David Drury on Champagne Problems had other ideas as he held the lead and even had favourite backers worried when he found another gear to get another break on the field as they neared the final bend.

Rankine who had set off from the back part of the field was gradually making up ground but it didn’t look as if he would gather in the leaders.

In a tremendous battle down the home straight Casterton showed his class by beating Champagne Problem by half a neck and they were well clear of Rankine who came in third. Raced by Mick Carey and trained by Emma Stewart Casterton ran 1.57.3 including a final quarter of 28.8 seconds. Champagne Problems who hadn’t created much of an impression in his previous three runs, ran a superb race and almost snatched the event with front running tactics but it was only the raw ability of Casterton that prevented a major upset.

The Fed Live $30,000 South Australian Pacing Derby saw one of the easiest wins recorded by Luvtobeuptome (Always B Miki).

The colt had been racing in much harder company at Melton and Albion Park where he won the Queensland Derby Consolation and he appreciated the drop in class where he looked super impressive in winning last week’s heat.

The other heat winner Steam Machine led early but surrendered the lead when Luvtobeuptome worked around the field with a quick sprint to take up the running. Fellow Victorian Major Blitz had a torrid run early and was caught three wide before going up to race outside the leader.

Josh Duggan let Luvtobeuptome rip along the back straight and he put a huge gap between himself and his rivals with a break of about 30 metres.  As it turned out Luvtobeuptome coasted to a 28 metre win over Zanda Man with Lochinvar Leader coming from last to rattle home for third.

Luvtobeuptome is trained by Courtney Slater and his SA Derby win was fully deserved. He gives every indication of coming back better as a four year old.

 

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink