Grimson’s daring drive on Bella Danza the winning factor

Jason Grimson landed a driving double when smart mare Bella Danza (Bettor’s Delight) scored a tearaway harness racing win in the Leading Edge Security Fleur De Lil Ladyship stakes at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

But it was the nature of Grimson’s drive that was the main talking point.

From the inside of the second row Bella Danza got up behind the leader Golden Fire and when a gap appeared as the field settled down Grimson quickly moved off the fence and took up the running in a lightning move.

BELLA DANZA 11 JULY REPLAY

Her two main rivals stable mates Eye Keep Smiling and Steno were both wide early. Eye Keep Smiling was three wide before eventually racing outside the leader which then enabled Steno to obtain the one out and one back trail.

Bella Danza literally ran her rivals off their legs but Eye Keep Smiling keep battling away. And the local mare Golden Fire got a run up along the inside to make a race of it. In a slogging finish Bella Danza held on to beat a very gallant Eye Keep Smiling and Golden Fire. Bella Danza is trained by Victorian Alex Ashwood.

Grimson spoke after the race.

That was a big win, She had a couple of really good mares racing outside of her. She never felt she was going to get beat. It worked out perfect at the start I was able to get off in front of them She’s a hard horse to drive. I’ve been driving her in her trackwork as I’ve always got on so good with her.

We’re just a match made in heaven. Where there’s a will there’s a way.

Commenting on her prospects for next week’s Group 1 Golden Girl at Albion Park Grimson stated:

Its barrier draw dependent, that worked out well for her tonight. She might draw twelve next week. She’s lightning quick out of the gate so you never know.

No doubt Grimson was more interested later in the evening in the winning effort of Captains Mistress (Captaintreacherous) in her final hit out in the Garrards Kevin Thomas Four year Old.

Made to work early by Fox Dan Captains Mistress eventually found the lead. Driver Cameron Hart was able to give the mare a breather even when Fate Awaits took off from the rear of the field to race outside her and Fox Dan settled for the trail.

When she ran her second quarter in 31.4 seconds it was obvious that she would have no trouble outsprinting her rivals. And as she cleared away on straightening she ran her last quarter in a tidy 26.1 seconds to totally dominate her opponents.

All eyes will be on her next week as she takes on her biggest task in the Inter Dominion and attempts to be the first mare to win an Inter Dominion since Jodies Babe in 1989.

For complete Albion Park results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink