Got The Chocolates boxes up Roy Purdon Memorial

His owners, trainers and driver didn’t give Got The Chocolates (Art Major) much show after the talented pacer got locked away three back on the inside with Swayzee and The Lazarus Effect in front of him. But tonight the exciting pacer had other ideas.

“At the top of the straight we thought we didn’t have much chance of winning,” said Robert Dunn, who trains the gelding with daughter-in-law Jenna.

Part owner Ross Gordon wasn’t hopeful either.

“He gets a wee bit claustrophobic. He just likes to be out in the open. He loves sitting parked and in that space but he was bottled up three back on the inside. I said to RJ (Robert Dunn) they’re going too slow and we’ve no chance here,” he said.

Turning in, driver John Dunn had thoughts of bringing the four year old wide, but all of a sudden the passing lane presented two running lines.

“I went to come off at the top of the straight but luckily this horse carried my arse and  we ducked back to the inside and he kicked hard,” John said.

The tight finish powered up the commentor Aaron White and Got The Chocolates picked up that vibe, getting to the line by half a neck from The Lazarus Effect with Swayzee a nose back in third.

GOT THE CHOCOLATES REPLAY

The winning time in the $100,000 G1 Barry Purdon Racing Stables – Roy Purdon Memorial was 2-38.3, bettering the previous race record of 2-42.0 set last year by Republican Party.

“He’s always had the speed. Those sectionals that Marketplace and this fella were reeling off as three year olds were unbelievable. We were doing it with rugged trips and still flying home. The good thing is he can be driven with a sit and he’s been getting a bit of practice in his last few starts.”

The win was the thirteenth for Got The Chocolates.

“He’s just so much stronger. He’s relished those hard trips as a three year old. He’s bounced off them and got mentally and physically stronger. Even tonight he got off the gate probably the best he has in a long time, which is great going forward.”

The New Zealand Cup now beckons.

“It’s a stepping stone this one. We’re looking at the big picture. We haven’t had a genuine Cup horse for a very long time, so hopefully this fella can be it.”

Got the Chocolates win tonight demonstrates the level of talent in the current crop of elite racing stock in New Zealand.

“The Aussies have had the wood on our trotters and pacers for the last few years. We’ve got some very talented horses – this fella, Marketplace and Bob’s horse (The Lazarus Effect). Hopefully the tide’s turned now.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink