Major Ben on track to make up for lost time

Early on in the last harness racing season, the Art Major colt Major Ben looked a two year old of real class.

Several trial runs pointed to him being one of the standout juveniles of his year and being from the All Star barn only added to the expectation

Major Ben ended up only having one career start at two where he was sent out favourite in the Group 3 Sapling Stakes at Ashburton Raceway.

Even though he ran a very creditable fourth for Natalie Rasmussen in a smart 1:55.3, he didn't look that tractable during the running.

A decision was quickly made by the All Star camp that the big gangly two year old would be best served by a decent break to let him fill out and mature into his big frame

When he was brought back into work, he had a small setback which meant more time on the sidelines before this latest campaign.

Unfortunately he had another small hiccup this time in but he is back now and raring to go.

The camp is in no hurry to rush him back at this stage and are taking a patient approach to this campaign.

Today at the Rangiora trials, Major Ben had his first run off the All Stars establishment for over twelve months.

Tim Williams let him find his feet early, settling last in the nine horse field and was in no hurry to improve his position until they straightened for home.

Major Ben weaved a path through the middle, closing on the leaders very quickly before running out of room in the last 50 metres.

We privately timed Major Ben to run his last 800 metres in 56.4 and the 400 metres in a sharp 26.9 and he was under double wraps the whole time.

Major Ben looks ready to resume where he left off twelve months ago and his racetrack return is now eagerly awaited.

Harnesslink Media