Merlin outstanding in Flying Stakes

Star harness racing pacer Merlin (Art Major) threw out the challenge to Australian champ Leap To Fame by impressively winning todays $60,000 Group Two NZB Airfreight Ashburton Flying Stakes.

“We stepped well but we actually had to burn a bit. You don’t want to chase them off their feet too much. There was an opportunity to have a crack at the front so we took it. Blair (Don’t Stop Dreaming) came round with a bit of authority so you take the gamble that you can beat him by coming off his back. Merlin was strong to the line so I was really happy,” driver Zachary Butcher said after the Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan trained entire took out the pacing feature.

MERLIN REPLAY

The winning margin was three quarters of a length with Don’t Stop Dreaming running an excellent second.

“Blair actually kicked a bit so I just followed him into the lane. When I dropped down (into the passing lane) he took off and I pulled the hood and he went again.”

The winning time of 2-54.6 is just outside the race and track record of 2-54.2 held by Eamon Maguire the 2018 winner.

Now Butcher, like the rest of New Zealand, waits for Leap To Fame to arrive for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup.

“In racing we want the best in Australasia coming here and having a go. Having Larry here on Cup Day it’s going to be a special one that’s for sure. I’m confident. I think we’ve got the horse to beat him.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink