Hilldale Hilton’s manners the key in Foundation Trotters Final success

Promising colt Hilldale Hilton (Pastor Stephen) proved that good manners mean everything when he scored a decisive win in the Harness Racing New South Wales Trotters Foundation Final for two year olds at Menangle on Saturday night.

The race was marred when hot favourite Im Frankee unexpectedly started to gallop in the score up and as a result was left behind when the field was dispatched.

HILLDALE HILTON 20 JUN REPLAY

Out from barrier nine, Hilldale Hilton settled down in fourth place early as driver Rickie Alchin allowed him to settle down. Out in front Majaro Girl and Chief Kenny set a fast pace early running the first quarter in an impressive 27.9 seconds.

It was unfortunate that a number of other runners including Good Memories, Sumthin Different, Hampton Court, San Antonio and Arete Fortune all broke up at various stages of the event.

Chief Kenny went past Majaro Girl but Hilldale Hilton was right behind and ready to pounce on straightening. Chief Kenny continued to trot strongly but once Hilldale Hilton set sail he simply stretched out to win by just over seven metres from Chief Kenny and Summer Kiss just edging out Majaro Girl for third.

Running his last quarter in 28.7 seconds, Hilldale Hilton rounded the mile trip in 1.57.9.

The win continued Alchin’s great recent run which included his success a week ago when Superior Stride took out the Trotters Foundation for three year olds.

Of the galloping brigade, the eye catching run was that of Arete Fortune who was tailed off early and yet at the end finished fifth some 35 metres from the winner.

The other trotting feature the Listed Yamamoto Trotters Mile went the way to New South Wales most improved trotter I Am Hellbound (Father Patrick).

Caught racing outside the leader Constantinople I Am Hellbound had Pesco Pollo right behind him with favourite London To A Brick right behind with a one out two back trail.

Driver Scott Hewitt went for home on straightening but he had to withstand strong challenges from outsider Toro Stride who was getting up along the inside and London To A Brick who was doing his best work at the finish.

I AM HELLBOUND 20 JUN REPLAY

I Am Hellbound is not entered for the Inter Dominion but he is eligible to run in the Yabby Dam Farms Group 1 $150,000 Great Square at Albion Park on 4 July.

Once again London To A Brick was so close without winning. He’s now been placed at his last five starts. Now bound for the Inter Dominion series London To A Brick races well at Albion Park and he has the ability to play a prominent role in the forthcoming series.

 

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink