Debut win for Sweethomealabama

Sweethomealabama (Sweetlou) continued the outstanding association between trainer Mark Jones and owner Wayne Higgs with his debut harness racing victory at Addington on Friday night.

The two-year-old was heavily supported and he didn’t let his backers down when he cleared out to score by three and a half lengths.

Though the pacer clearly has ability, Jones admitted he isn’t sure exactly how much the progressive Sweethomealabama has, just yet.

“He is a nice wee horse, he does everything right and he’s quite professional,” Jones said.

“We don’t know how good he is yet, he hasn’t really been tested yet but he should do a pretty good job.”

Jones and breeder-owner Wayne Higgs have enjoyed outstanding success with horses like Delightful Memphis and Stylish Memphis.

Sweethomealabama looks capable of adding more to the impressive tally of wins trainer and owner have produced.

“Wayne told me tonight that we have had 41 wins here and another 12 in Australia,” Jones said.

“We have had a great run over the years and there has been a bit more success behind the scenes too.”

“We have sold a couple of horses for over $100,000 in between times.”

“Wayne is great with them too, he does a lot with them when they are young.”

“We have a good understanding and it works out really well.”

SWEETHOMEALABAMA REPLAY

Sweethomealabama isn’t from the family of the star Memphis mares.

She’s from a bargain buy in the McArdle mare Zena Mac.

“We bought the mare for $3000 so that Wayne could have something to drive, she ended up winning a couple of races and doing a good enough job.”

Jones will be out to continue what has already been a highly successful winter when Hot To Trot steps out in the Group One The Great Square at Albion Park tonight.

Jack Trainor takes the reins behind the trotter who has been rated the fourth favourite for the event behind three Victorian raiders.

“I think they are underrating him a bit, I don’t think he’s without a winning hope” Jones said.

“It will be up to Jack how he wants to drive him, it could be tactical.”

“The Victorian horses look the ones to beat but with a bit of luck he should be thereabouts.”

Arcee Pheonix, Courage Stride and Rockinwithattitude looks the main threats to Hot To Trot.

For complete race results, click here.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand