Penelope Lane bounces back

After a couple of below par performances Penelope Lane (Volstead) bounced back into winning form in the Group Three The Dark Horse at Ascot Park today.

The win made up for her disappointing run in The Jasmyn’s Gift at Oamaru last month.

“She was disappointing at Oamaru but she was found to be a bit under the weather. Since then we’ve focussed mainly on her health, got her feeling a bit better and today she won fairly easily,” said trainer driver Brad Williamson.

From seven off the front row Penelope Lane was quickly into gear and was taken straight to the top.

“When you’re racing a nice quality group of horses a good beginning is vital in short sprint stand races. She’s just a nice horse and when you make a quick beginning it makes sense to roll along at a good tempo and make the rest do plenty of work catching up.”

At the line Penelope Lane had a three and a quarter length margin over last year’s winner Princess Sadie with a nose back to favourite Dynasty.

PENELOPE LANE REPLAY

Bred and owned by Michelle Caig of Winton the win was the four year old mare’s sixth and her first at group level.

“Michelle has been breeding horses for a long time. She puts her heart and soul into trying to breed nice horses. It’s nice to see her have a good horse because like most of us she’s had plenty of slow ones. She’s got a group winning mare she will breed from one day and it should add a bit of value to her foals.”

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink