Got The Chocolates savages Messenger field

Got The Chocolates (Art Major) was ruthless in dealing to tonight’s harness racing field in the $100,000 G1 Dawson Harford New Zealand Messenger at Alexandra Park.

GOT THE CHOCOLATES REPLAY

The Robert and Jenna Dunn trained four year old trailed early with Swayzee and The Lazarus Effect taking turns at leading and with Got The Chocolates settling in third in fully relaxed mode.

“It’s unbelievable the way he does that. The only time he’s ever got keen up here was in the Northern Derby. He would have dropped out mid race if I’d let him. That’s the cool calm sort of customer he is. That’s a big part of how good he is actually,” driver John Dunn said.

Coming out of the final bend Dunn hit the super charge button and the gelding was quickly up challenging, going past Swayzee with ease.

“You’d have to say he is getting better and he’s better with a sit too. When I pulled him out down the back he was explosive to get near Swayzee so quick.”

Got The Chocolates powered home down the main straight to easily beat The Lazarus Effect by four lengths with Swayzee three lengths back in third.

The winning time of 3-13.8 was the second fastest Messenger ever run.

Dunn says Sundees Son and Got The Chocolates are the only two horses to have raced strongly through the line.

“When you get to the line there is more in the tank. He’s very special and you have to make the most of these ones.”

Got The Chocolates heads home to Canterbury now for a break, with spring racing and the IRT New Zealand Cup firmly in his sights.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink